After a couple of weeks of good rain here, the skies have cleared and it's sunny again. We're expecting steadily warming temperatures. Under those sunny skies, things are better in some places than others.
The birds are happy. I've been keeping my feeders filled and they're enjoying splashing in our fountain. Local residents like the hummingbirds, finches, mockingbirds, mourning doves, and scrub jays have been joined by summer visitors.
Meanwhile, the harbor area visible from our backyard is chock full of cruise ships (but very few shipping barges). We usually have one or two, occasionally three, cruise ships in port at intervals over the course of each week at this time of year. However, with cruises on hold all over the world, ships have been stuck in limbo with crews unable to disembark and head home. What might sound like a dream is turning into a nightmare for many. Yes, their room and board is covered but, with no customers, most have lost their paychecks and they're unable to go home.
One final cruise ship. The Pacific Princess, which launched a world cruise from Florida just before these trips were shut down, was able to dock here on Monday. With no illness reported, all passengers were allowed to disembark.
It's all a matter of circumstances and, to a lesser extent, perspective at the moment. My husband and I are lucky. We're confined at home but we're healthy and able to remain busy. Despite frustrations with the supply chain, we've also managed to put food on the table. I hope all you reading this post are doing as well and that you're thinking of those who are keeping essential services running, as well as those who are struggling. Remember: your local food banks need all the help they can get!
For more Wednesday Vignettes, visit Anna at Flutter & Hum.
All material © 2012-2020 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
The birds are happy. I've been keeping my feeders filled and they're enjoying splashing in our fountain. Local residents like the hummingbirds, finches, mockingbirds, mourning doves, and scrub jays have been joined by summer visitors.
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| I took this and the following photo from inside the house as the birds fly off as soon as I open the back door |
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| I think this is a Black-headed Grosbeak |
Meanwhile, the harbor area visible from our backyard is chock full of cruise ships (but very few shipping barges). We usually have one or two, occasionally three, cruise ships in port at intervals over the course of each week at this time of year. However, with cruises on hold all over the world, ships have been stuck in limbo with crews unable to disembark and head home. What might sound like a dream is turning into a nightmare for many. Yes, their room and board is covered but, with no customers, most have lost their paychecks and they're unable to go home.
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| I took this photo on Sunday, when my husband and I counted 9 ships in the bay. The ships occasionally come into port, presumably to get supplies, but the crew members aren't permitted to disembark. Many are foreign nationals far from home. The large ship visible in port on Sunday was the Norwegian Joy. |
One final cruise ship. The Pacific Princess, which launched a world cruise from Florida just before these trips were shut down, was able to dock here on Monday. With no illness reported, all passengers were allowed to disembark.
It's all a matter of circumstances and, to a lesser extent, perspective at the moment. My husband and I are lucky. We're confined at home but we're healthy and able to remain busy. Despite frustrations with the supply chain, we've also managed to put food on the table. I hope all you reading this post are doing as well and that you're thinking of those who are keeping essential services running, as well as those who are struggling. Remember: your local food banks need all the help they can get!
For more Wednesday Vignettes, visit Anna at Flutter & Hum.
All material © 2012-2020 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party