Why Do Birds Suddenly Appear?

There was a 70's vocal duo called the Carpenters.  They were about as good as they come.  One of their big hits was called, "Close To You." 

Why do birds
Suddenly appear?
Everytime you are near
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you

My co-worker, a great guy, commented on pets today.  He said that about a year ago, his wife's cat (of 9+ years) passed away.  Since his wife was so attached to the cat, she could not bear to bury it.  So, to this day, that cat's mortal remains are in their freezer.  She takes it out periodically, as he says, around midnight, to reminisce.

Karen Carpenter had some serious challenges, especially that of eating or better yet, not eating.  This issue eventually took her life in the prime of her career.  I recall back when I was in college having the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in Europe.  We were based in London, England.  The odds were good since there were 26 females and only 5 males in the troup.  One of the more vivacious women was named Sandra.  She was always full of energy, always talking, always had something to say -- fun to be around.  In London, we had a full time chef, a husband and wife team, that would cook us a breakfast and dinner each day that was to die for.  They were British, so we would get wonderful meals twice a day.  Since we lived in a contained five story flat, it was hard for many things to go unnoticed.  One of the other girls discovered a dark secret about Sandra.  She was binging her food after eating.  Had a serious eating disorder.  Like Karen Carpenter, she was in danger.  Gratefully, we had a set of strong Group Directors and an exceptional Religious Leader who worked with Sandra, giving her much needed help.  After the semester was over, we all returned back stateside.  I did not keep in contact with Sandra.  I have to hope that she was able to live a somewhat normal life.

On a side note, I did keep in contact with one girl from this study abroad group.  She has since married a great guy and has an exceptional family.

I am excited about Spring and even like the remaining snow flurries that sprinkle my valley home.  I have heard the birds sing in the morning and realize that old man winter will soon be just a memory.

Till next time,
Bill