LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

There's Always A Swallow

I often wish PBS would do the "News Hour" at a different time. Watching the reports of news around the world often makes me a bit uneasy in the evenings. I find the in-depth reporting disturbing as I learn more and more components to big business and political madness. So afterwards I try to find ways of relaxing my brain and soothing my troubled spirit.

Many evenings I go down to a nearby lake and just sit and watch the swallows. I love the way they dip and zip and skim over the water snatching insects. Watching them is especially nice this time of year because they have nests full of little ones.













There are about six nests in this shelter so there is plenty of action. Watching the swallows go about their work is somehow soothing to me. It affirms that perhaps things may be all right after all. In a very short time, this spot will be filled with fluttering fledglings and what a sight that will be. It's comforting to know that year after year the swallows return to nest here and provide an evening's entertainment.


As I turned to leave the lakeshore, I stop to admire the Rose of Sharon. Not a rose at all, it is nonetheless a lovely bush that flowers all summer long.

So while I can't stop watching the news, I can still find peace at the lake and let my mind drift away from the troubling news of the day.

15 comments:

abb said...

"What are you doin' here??" That's what that swallow is saying to you! Wonderful photos!

Anonymous said...

I have lately been thinking the same thing-- I stopped watching the news and watch the scene outside my window instead. That view is always more comforting.

George said...

We don't have a lake with swallows to soothe our nerves after watching the news, but we do have the birds coming to our feeders for an evening snack.

Vicki Lane said...

Wonderful pictures! The evening news is a bad preparation for winding up the day and easing into peaceful sleep -- much better to watch the swallows!

Appalachian Lady said...

Yes, nature is such a relief from watching the news on television. Those swallows would be especially fun to watch.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Carolyn, Yes--watching the news is very upsetting. By getting out in nature, that helps us to feel better also. Love seeing your Swallows... They just do their thing ---and don't keep up at all with what is going on in our crazy world.

Have a great Wednesday.
Hugs,
Betsy

Busy Bee Suz said...

Nature is much more pleasant then the news. :)

KB said...

Those are fabulous nestling photos! They look like they'll be flying before you know it. I agree - nature is very soothing compared to "human news".

KGMom said...

I can't tell which would be worse for me--knowing as much as I know about the state of the world? or not knowing it at all?

You could always tape the news and watch it...in the morning? then ruin the whole day. Or late at night? then stay awake. Hmmmm. No solution.

Love the swallow faces!

Barb said...

Only go to the lake, Carolyn. Watch those wonderful birds. Read the Times once a week and you will have all the news you need. I promise.

Jayne said...

Oh how I love seeing the Barn Swallow too! I still have one (not sure it is mom or dad) roosting under my porch each night, and it makes me wonder if maybe next year, they might consider nesting there. Wonderful photos Carolyn!

My Mind's Eye said...

Hi NC mountainwoman!!! And I love finding someone who lives in our beautiful mountains. Any day in the NC mountains is a good day. I'm a native of NC living in Raleigh my home town. The mountains are always calling my name. My best friends brother lives in Brevard and has for about 30 years.
I look forward to catching up with you too.
Madi and Mom

Anonymous said...

Their nests are fascinating.

I prefer the news at night. I take it much better with wine.

Taradharma said...

those are some hungry chicks!! Love the photos.

Yes, I have started watching much news on-line, so I can watch it when I can handle it. I'd much rather be out under the trees watching the birds. But then again, I've always been one that has to know what is going on in the world.

Ruth said...

I love watching swallows and those babies are so cute. Watching the news in the evening is something I try to avoid. I prefer to catch headlines on the internet.