Out My Kitchen Window

 My hands were warm and sudsy, fiercely scrubbing the pans from their eggy mess. No fun at all. But glancing out the window at our deep backyard, my smile grew.

The surrounding foliage was boasting delicate pink and white dogwood flowers. The dwarf pear tree and thick-trunk silver maples were lifting their branches.  Here and there, wild bushes of black raspberries were blooming.  

Our veggie garden was off to the side, fully bathed in sunshine, an early crop already yielding tiny zucchini blooms and beside them some from a row of cherry tomatoes.  Most delightful, this tasty vegetation was spread among a verdant green lawn.

Of interest were backyard animal friends who commandeered the yard as it was their own. Squirrels were running about collecting goodies, burying them in the hope of finding them again.  A graceful doe stepped by the garden, munched some stray seedlings, then gracefully left. There were possums and moles, rabbits, a fox, and a beaver that just walked through. One morning, I found a large box turtle playing in the sandbox. Say what?  You would think we lived out in the country.  No.  Just a half mile away is the commercial district, thriving with major roads and highways.

I had thought I had seen it all when ... a rather big creature took up residence in our shed. Turned out she was an all-white skunk who was very pregnant. We called a “rescue rehabilitator” to relocate her.  He set out a cage to the side of the shed.  Our kids put out American cheese pieces that the rescuer doubted she would eat.  But surprise!  She did come out, ate them all and went right into the cage while the children watched from their row of folding chairs. Odd? But it worked.    

Yes, our yard has become a sanctuary of sorts.

There is another view, a close and personal one out the same windows. You see, the back porch is connected to the house and has an ample lower roof which offers a resting space for those who discover it.  Often, I put my kitchen sponge aside to take in the show.  Squirrels visit and playfully scamper about. One recent visitor boasted a huge red tail.  So very camera-ready I was, but my camera was not working.  So instead, I delighted in the moment. 

All sorts of birds take a moment of reprieve, perhaps pecking on a prized berry or sitting and resting. Others visit with each other. One day, a pair of lovely robins stopped by.  One had a striking red breast, the other a bit muted.  They chirped happily and remained close … beckoning to one another in a lovely mating dance. Their wings full, they then flew off together. I wondered where their nest might be…Sometimes, just sitting out on the patio, you can get an eyeful. Or maybe a lap full. 

On one breezy day, I set up my favorite lounge chair.  I settled in with an engaging book.  Suddenly, something huge landed on my lap.  My book fell to the ground, my body tucked into the shape of the chair.  Ouch.  “So, what do we have here?”

Sitting with me was a huge white and tan cat, fluffy and earthy-smelling.  I looked at him … and he stared curiously up at me … with his one green eye and the other gray.  I grinned as the tabby cat softly purred.                                                                                                                                                                                 

Suddenly, I heard ear-piercing shrieks. The children were home from school.

In moments, the cat jumped from my lap to the yard to greet the four children. Seeing the giant cat, they threw down their book bags and played in the backyard like old friends. Right then, they named him “Snickerdoodles.” Why?  Because of his fluffy white and tan fur. They had a magnificent time that afternoon. Then, in a flash, he was gone.  

The kids searched around the neighborhood but did not see him. Puzzled, they came in for the evening and went to bed sad and wondering. 

The next morning, they heard scratching sounds at the front door and loud mewing.  It was Snickerdoodles!  He was ready to greet his new friends and walk them to the bus stop.  Say what?  Yes, it certainly was a bit unusual.

Later that day, I found myself applauding the cat’s antics and fondly petting him.  He didn’t want milk or a treat or even an invite into our home. None of that.  But time romping around the yard with all of us certainly pleased him. Yet it was the next day that really got my attention.  “Hey, Mom, Snickerdoodles just met us at the bus stop and walked us home.’’  What!  Then they played until time for supper.

The next day, the tabby with one green and one gray eye came to our door, again walking the children to the bus stop and waiting after school to walk them home.  I had no idea how all this was happening. And it went on for the next few weeks… this friendly cat became our special companion … supposing him to be there forever.  Until one day, Snickerdoodles didn’t show. 

Standing by the window, my eyes moved to and fro, my hands sponging off messy dinner plates. I wondered what backyard friends I would see.  Perhaps those I haven’t seen in some time.  Or those I often greet every day.  Maybe there would be a surprise visitation on my sill or deep in the yard. Or in my lap. Yet, some days nature becomes quiet, prompting me to pay more attention. To be patient and look more closely … always being expectant.

“Oh, wow!  What’s that I see?”  Something big and furry just ran across the yard. Throwing down the dish towel, I hurried out to the yard.

“…and that’s how I live it.”

Just one more thought.  Today, in a large bush, just feet from my chair on the patio … I heard chirping and the fluttering of wings. It was the entire robin family!