Henry and Henrietta arrived today. I heard them hollering in the backyard, hungry from the long trip. Who knows where they have been? Or how long was the flight? I have a bag of corn I've been keeping for this special occasion. The only trouble is, its been in the garage.
I got the plastic red cup the couple recognizes and filled it to the brim. The corn looked good. Henry waddled right up when I called his name. There wasn't even any hissing. I poured some grain into my hand, just a little mind you, and held it out for him to inspect. He smotched it up right quick. I guess the long absence hasn't had any adverse effects on our relationship. Henrietta, as always held back, coy and waiting for me to throw her some.
I scooped out another handful and opened my palm and there smack in the middle of the golden kernels was a round black shiny spider! We DO have black widows in our garage. I threw the feed aside and stepped away thinking maybe geese like to eat spiders or maybe they would let the little bugger crawl away and then dig in. But apparently Henry sensed my aversion to the treat. He too backed away and left the food untouched. An hour later when I looked for my feathered friends they were no where to be found. I was a little sad and hoped I had not scared them off. They have been nesting here for four years now.
Not to worry, another hour and they were back again. This time I carefully inspected lunch and this time my two Canadian friends indulged. Its good to have them home again.
Here's to you Henry and Henrietta. May your eggs not get washed away by the flood this year!
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