Yup. After about a week of being eaten alive by bugs; shredded and impaled by raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, Devil’s walking stick, locusts, and greenbriar; endured thousands of demands from hungry adolescent starlings, sunburnt, sprained, and rained upon, I feel as if I am finally emerging again as an individual and a human being.
I had a great day in the garden today. The last round of groundhog proofing seems to have done the trick. I’ve removed some of the wire fencing around the raised beds and put up some shade cloth on the cole crops, and some netting over the strawberries to keep the birds away.
I released 6 birds today, one of which had a mended broken leg that I had set with a cardboard and tape cast a few weeks ago. It was perching well, had good strength, and dexterity with its foot. I get weepy when they are released. This batch dispersed and didn’t return for food. Lots of bugs out there in the forest after all the rain. I will keep food out for them for another week or so in case any return. Nine of the 11 remaining birds finally figured out how to feed themselves, which gives me much more time to just breathe. I took in two fledglings a couple days ago. One is having trouble balancing and controlling its legs. He may have to be euthanized at the wildlife center if it is a neurological condition. I’ll know in a few days (UPDATE: The fledgling was fine. It is learning to fly now with its sibling).
This evening, I may take time with my accordion. It’s already close to bed time, so that may wait. In any case, I am feeling better.