House sparrows in the April garden -

"I suppose I am a sparrow, a

 stay-at-home bird." Gladys Taber (1899-1980)

How true - most of us around the globe are all 'sparrows' 

right now!

 

House sparrow: Passer domesticus

Introduced from Europe to Central Park, New York in the mid-1800's and now

 found throughout North America. 

They build domed cup nests within a cavity - and this particular female above

picked my birdhouse which was a huge surprise!

While walking in the garden yesterday, luckily with camera in hand, this bird seemed

 bothered as I approached the birdhouse and perched on the nearby split rail fence. 

I noticed the insect in its beak and knew it was a mother bringing food to its young. 

After a minute it flew up to one of the entrances on the birdhouse and stayed long

 enough for me to get these shots.

Female House sparrow with an orange Asian Lady Beetle lunch for her hatchlings - wonder

 how many are in there!

She would have laid 4-6 white eggs with brown markings. 

Both parents feed the young for 14-17 days prior to fledging. Then they'll be

 on their own searching for insects, fruit and coming to the bird feeders.

She soon popped into the nest site - I couldn't believe how lucky I was to catch her 

and to be able to share these photos of another busy garden bird.

If you are my age, or older, I know you may be familiar with the late American

 author of 59 books, Gladys Taber whom I quoted above. I recall her writings, 

especially her columns in the Ladies' Home Journal and Family Circle magazines.

 I loved those publications in the 1960's when I was a new wife and homemaker here

 in the USA. There was so much to learn about becoming a 'domestic goddess' 

in a new to me country. . . . . . .Ms. Taber's writings certainly helped out a lot!

Several of you requested the Pistachio Muffins recipe - I'll put that up soon.

They are so easy and truly yummy!

. . . . . content with the peregrination of daily necessity!

I'll miss traveling the world.  

I may not view a new place far off across an ocean for quite some time, 

or even ever! That is hard to imagine. I've been fortunate to visit all seven

 continents and see so much, but there are a few special places I've set my 

sights on for the future and would still like to view. 

Right now though I am quite happy to remain at home. 

Even going on a couple of shopping runs this week had me longing to pull back

 up my driveway, grab the bags, unlock the front door, drop the bags (well not

 the one with the eggs!) and rush into the bathroom to scrub my hands!

The blossoms are bursting forth along the streets, in neighbors gardens as

 well as my own, and I find myself sneezing and my nose running. Allergies or virus? 

it's becoming worrisome as no matter where you live, travel, or just hang out, 

there is no place to hide from a pandemic.

Yes, I was a traveler!

I believe I did just that, but I won't be going far from home for a while. 

I'll be opening all these e-mails I'm getting daily now (bet you are too), most

not from family or friends, but from businesses such as my dentist, physiotherapist,

 assorted grocery chains, airlines, restaurants, coffee shops, even the Saturday

 morning market stalls nearby!

Sounds like everyone is suddenly cleaning everything.

Shouldn't they have been doing that always - maybe actually 'putting

 the cart before the horse' works at times!

Travel is on the back burner that's for sure.

Out with the old. . . . . .

Still working on getting the bedroom together.  

Lots of changes continue to be made as we put our 

edited items back into the closet and drawers.  

I think we became packrats somewhere along the way.

Saying goodbye to stuff is not a problem for me. Another

person has difficulty. . . . . . . I won't go into messy details!!! 

I've been working on framing new art for walls and arranging displays

 on dresser tops, night stands etc.  

These pretties above are packed away, other than the lamp. 

Two white ginger jar lamps will remain, one on each side of the bed. 

I've been looking for new lampshades as I made these swirled,

silk chiffon shades many years ago, however I just haven't found 

replacements I like yet!

International news has become quite frightening as the Corona virus spreads.

Now the virus is here in our city, brought by a passenger flying from Seattle.

He dined in a restaurant in town last weekend so we are hoping he hasn't 

spread the virus.

Hand sanitizer is no longer available anywhere in the area. . . . . . . washing 

with good old soap and water should be done often.

Staying home is calming and I really don't mind it once bit. 

This weekend will be good weather for garden chores. 

Throw in a little baking - a crunchy loaf of bread, some pistachio muffins, 

a pear cake, and make a mushroom and spinach quiche. . . . . I'll have

 plenty to keep me busy for the time being.

I will not be traveling anywhere far for some time most likely.

What are your thoughts on COVID-19 and staying close to home.