Day 23/365 (Bonus): Circle of Life

Day 23/365 (Bonus): Circle of Life
Originally uploaded by donnyatx

Note: This picture stinks. I don't have a long zoom on my camera and this is a huge crop that's been sharpened. Now, on with the blogging!

Today I looked out my window to see 2 huge vultures on the road in front of our house. As usual, another dead squirrel lay on the road.

This is common around here, I live in a heavily treed neighborhood. I don't usually see the vultures though. So, I took some photos. Anytime a car would come down the road they would saunter off to the neighbor's yard, as if to say- 'you can't rush me!'.

I am thankful for those big honkin' birds. They keep the streets clean of all the unfortunate creatures. It grosses me out some, but they are useful nonetheless.

Growing up I was exceedingly empathetic to animals. I'd cry over road kill.

My poor dad. He loved to hunt. In particular, he loved to deer hunt. Every year he'd roll up with a dead dear hanging off his 4 wheeler or in a chest.... I'd ball and refuse to eat it. I am sure he hated it. Ok, well I know he hated it! I just had Bambi in my head and I thought it was unfair. I've changed my mind a bit but it still makes me sad seeing a deer that's been shot. I'll just have to live with that I guess :-P. I understand hunting has its place and I am glad the meat is used.

I found several baby birds out of their nest as a child. Most died. One was eaten by my cat.... that was not fun. Another I was able to keep alive and it thrived (I think it was a mockingbird but I am not sure). I started taking it out and showing it how to fly. One of those days it took flight and never came back. I cried! But I was proud that I was able to save it. I still think that was a really neat thing to do!

I had a cat I dressed up in clothes. My mom sewed a few things for it even, lol. She seemed to like being played with. I'd ride her around on my bike in a basket that hung off the handle bars. Looking back on it, she was pretty strange for a cat. I don't think I've met any others that would put up with any of that!

I've got a bunch of stories like those but I'll end it here. Interesting what memories a vulture eating a squirrel can conjure up!

~Donna