Ornithologists suggest cleaning out birdhouses in the fall or winter for next year's spring arrivals. Spring cleaning, if you will, for those of us without opposable thumbs. This practice also allows a glimpse into the familial life of birds. Garden nerd pro tip: old bird nests make great compost. Fledgling crib turned butternut squash.
My house was in the direct path of a tornado in 2019 which may be the very reason that I ended up buying it in 2021. Like a large majority of buyers, I do not know the previous owners but as you settle into a new abode, you start to subtly find hints of personality from the prior tenants. Custom garage cabinetry and intentional nails in specific locations start to paint a vague persona of the inhabitants before me.
I thoroughly enjoy picking up litter, and in the Bush Honey Suckle-laden woods behind my residence, there were pieces of roofing from said cyclone. As I removed the man-made clutter, I came across a few partially deconstructed, custom-built birdhouses. Being a chronic piddler, I happily took on the refurbishment projects. "This Old Birdhouse" would make a great and unpopular television series.
I recovered and rebuilt a few of these avian masterpieces but the most lavish inherited birdhouse remained affixed to the fence. As I started deconstructing the bird bungalow enough to clean out the nest, I came to appreciate the attention to detail and ingenuity of the builder. It's as if he or she had predicted my curiosity would lead me to this point. This internal nod of approval to antiquated craftsmanship is also why I enjoy finding arrowheads. It's a moment of creative connection to a fellow Sapien from a former time.
As I removed the lid of the house, I was pleased to find the architect's initials and year carved underneath. This personal tattooing isn't a new trend. We've been naming pyramids and businesses in hopes of legacy for millennia.
I still don't know who owned my little urban ranch home before me but I have a slightly better picture into the small details of life that were important to them and that makes me happy. I just lucked out that they enjoyed similar pastimes.
The lesson here is that you don't need a pyramid or start a successful business to leave your mark. Make time for the things you love and let the universe do the rest.
New in my life: "Man's Best Friend" originated from Warrensburg, MO. Beavers winter in communal dens. Vegetais dormem no solo.
Keep smilin'
JM