Fear and loathing on my patio

On NoticeThere’s a bird building a nest on our patio, where the support beam meets our upstairs neighbors’ deck. It’s hard at work today, chirping madly as it builds. I can see a little birdie head bobbing about and wee sticks waving around every now and then. I’m trying to figure out how to let Pi see it; it’s quite high up, and I don’t think she has the attention span to wait for the bird to make an appearance.

Pete and I were on the patio when I first noticed it up there. It kept flying in with bits of nest-building materials and flying away when it spotted us. I do not like birds. I’m worried that our feathered neighbor will attack us once its eggs are up there. But it is sort of neat having it there, and I know Poppy would love it. Circle of life and all. What to do, what to do?

Not that I’d know how to run a bird off anyway. I guess we’ll just be avoiding the patio. Not really. But I will be sure to have a Big Stick nearby to ward off attacks. Bird? Consider yourself On Notice.

Overheard as she "naps"

I will take my ball into the living room! Oh, Mommy’s in the living room. There is the closet. What’s behind that door? What’s behind that door? Hmmm …

Pretty piggies! I can take them to the living room.

What’s behind that closet? It could be alligator! Woo!

Flight of the Bumblebees, Flight of the Bumblebees, Bee-O Bee-O Bee-O’s.

You know my favorite? Ballgames. Ballgames ballgames ballgames.

One more reason to love the library

I love to read. I’m also cheap. It shouldn’t be any surprise that the library is one of my favorite establishments!
Works for Me Wednesday
I used to spend hours at the library. I’d wander the aisles, picking up whatever books struck my fancy. I’d sit and read magazines or newspapers. It was lovely, quiet and relaxing.

That ended about two and a half years ago, when Poppy came onto the scene. I love the little goof ball to the ends of the earth, but have you ever tried to stroll through the library’s aisles with a rambunctious toddler? It isn’t easy. At least, it isn’t easy with my rambunctious toddler.

Fortunately for me, libraries seem to be built to serve. I’ve carried library cards at four different libraries in the last 2 and a half years, and each offered a hold service through its Web site. All it takes is a library card, an Internet connection and a few minutes of your time.

I keep a list of books I’d like to read. Every few weeks, I go to the library’s Web site and search for one or two of them. Then I click “hold.” A few days later, I go to the library. And there are my books, waiting for me at the circulation desk. The only thing that could make it more convenient would be a drive-through window!

Find more tips at Works for Me Wednesday!