The Bluebirds of Happiness
February, though the shortest month, always seems the longest. There are no really good hunting seasons open and fishing ranges from going out on poor quality ice to freezing to death on the good ice. Bird watching is not that great, and hiking is really lousy. Hiking for the sake of hiking can be poor entertainment when the weather is good. Hiking when there is ice, snow, or mud on the ground does not add to the enjoyment. It makes me glad; March has almost arrived. There is hope of spring when we turn the calendar over to March. Nature also provides clues to spring being just around the corner. In the past few days, I have seen several gobblers in full strut. They are practicing for the upcoming mating ritual or perhaps preparing for spring gobbler season. The geese have moved back to the pond. As soon as the ice clears, migrating geese will stop for a day or two, but the
(Outdoors cont’d on pg 2)
(Outdoors cont’d from pg 1)
ones we saw are the resident geese. They are swimming in pairs and already defending their territory. One pair is defending all comers from the island, as they have since the island was built. The surest sign of spring is the bluebirds looking for the best nesting spot. With their bright blue plumage, they flit from one spot to the next, making sure no other bird has gotten the perfect nest. They check out the houses I have placed in strategic locations, where they will eventually stop and nest. Before that, they have to check the holes in the posts that anchor the dock, the knot in the corner-post that is not big enough to get into, and the chimney to the stove in the cabin. The chimney used to be a real problem. The stove is not used frequently in the spring, so to a bluebird, the chimney pipe appeared to be only a nice dark hole. Several times we came to the cabin in the spring to hear
scratching sounds coming from the wood stove. The first few times this happened, we thought mice had moved into the stove. I would swing open the door, ready to club a rodent, only to be greeted by a really black bluebird. Though relieved to be released from the dark confines of the stove, they did not seem to be immediately assured a large person brandishing a steel poker was looking out for their best interest. While my wife covered her face and held open the door to the cabin, I chased the dirty bird around in circles until he found his way out. After about the third time of doing this, I decided the chimney needed to be made bluebird proof. I was not too thrilled with the idea of crawling up on the roof to prevent further intrusions, but we do what we have to do. Equipped with fencing pliers and chicken wire, I scaled the side of the cabin and made my way up the roof. Slipping and sliding my way to
the chimney, I discovered from my lofty perch, the wind was blowing much more briskly than on the ground, and I could see several bluebirds watching as I ruined what they thought was the best nesting site on the farm. As my fingers became numb from the cold wind and I fought to stay astraddle the roof peak, I knew I was protecting a bunch of really pretty little birds that do not have a lot of sense. I decided they did not have to do anything but look good. It is still our job to do what we can to protect them, even if it is from themselves. Bluebirds are a sign of spring and spring brings happiness after a long winter.
Ottumwa Post App
Pella Regional Health Center is pleased to welcome Olivia McCoy, MSN, APRN-C to the medical staff.
“I believe in the importance of providing patients with necessary education and resources that are available to encourage their desire for healthy behaviors and compliance,” said Olivia.
Olivia attended Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota earning her Masters of Science Nursing Studies and Family Nurse Practitioner degrees. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa. Olivia completed a post master’s certification in psychiatric mental health nursing from Walden University.
She has experience providing nursing care in the Behavioral Health Unit at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines and Walk-in care and Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry with Mahaska Health Partnership, Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Olivia was named one of Iowa’s 100 Great Nurses in 2019.
Olivia married her husband Justin in 2022. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, friends and grandchildren. Olivia will see patients in the Pella Regional Walk-In Clinic in Ottumwa.
Don’t Kick The Car
I still remember the name of the color, Glencoe Green, from Chrysler. It was beautiful, deep metallic green, so dark that most people thought the car was black, but in the sun, oh, did that car sparkle and show its true color. The day I picked up my car from Colorgraphics body shop in Blakesburg, Iowa, still stands out as if it was yesterday.
The shop floor had that wet, chalky look that all body shops seem to have; it was probably dust from sanding. The smell of paints and thinners lingered in the air; it’s an odor many people don’t like, but I do. I looked over every inch of my freshly painted car. “What this,” I asked, looking at the lower right rear quarter panel. Steve came over to have a look.
“There must have been a fly in the paint booth. Darn it,” Steve said. “Can you leave the car here? We’ll buff that out and have the car ready tomorrow.”
I was bummed. “I really wanted to show my car to my friends,” I said. “Can you still buff it out if I take the car and bring it back in a few days?” Steve assured me that would be no problem. I wanted to buy a set of chrome mud flaps to protect the new paint from rock chips before I went to see my friends. Target had just the set I wanted in their automotive department. (Yes, Target used to have an automotive department.)
My 1973 Opel GT looked good, and I didn’t want anything to happen to
it. So, I parked in a lone space far from the building; Dad taught me it was worth walking a little farther to the store so people wouldn’t ding your car with their doors. The car looked pretty sassy sitting there, so I took a picture of it, went inside the store, and bought my mud flaps. But when I came outside my car was missing.
I thought someone had stolen my car, but it turned out a mid-70s model Ford LTD two-door parked next to me. (A boat with huge, long doors!) My little Opel GT was so small I couldn’t see it behind the big Ford. “This parking lot is full of empty spaces,” I complained as I walked to my car. “Why did this yahoo have to park right next to me?” With his car hiding
my Opel, other people coming out of the store couldn’t admire my beautiful car.
…booted his door… made the judge mad…not enough paint…
View the full the story at ottumwapost.com.