I forget if I mentioned yesterday that I cleaned all of the deck furniture. If the weather is nice this weekend, hubby will power wash the deck and we'll both re-stain the floor and railings. The hummingbird feeder is up and apparently a hummer was spotted in New Jersey today, at the shore. Usually our first hummer visitor is a guy that continues north, but then our resident hummers are two gals that fight with each other. A couple interlopers show up now and again, but are ultimately chased off by the two "gals". One we call "Shirley Show Off", the other "Sheila Hiding". It's likely that one or both will be the same hummers from last year, and maybe years before. They get to know us, and like us.

For those that love birds, I'll share a short true story below. I understand if you'd like to skip it.
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A Very Caring Little Bird Story

A couple summers back, my husband and I bought two beautiful new light green painted rocking chairs for our deck. We had to assemble them, which was a monumental effort, as self-assembly projects can sometimes be. But when they were ready, we put them into place with a perfect view of our hummingbird feeder.

The first hummer to visit our backyard was a beautiful male ruby throated hummingbird. He was a lone little guy taking full advantage of all of the homemade nectar we provided, and the deep pink flowers below. But it wasn’t too long before two females came into town and chased the poor little dude away. The two females were constantly fighting for “ownership” of our backyard territory. Eventually one won primary rights. My husband and I would sit and watch her every sunny day. She grew used to us and didn’t mind our presence, just eight feet away. She’d zip back and forth, as my husband and I rocked back and forth, on our new chairs.

My husband is a big guy, and unfortunately the green wooden rocking chair wasn’t as strong as we’d hoped. One afternoon, he rocked back too far and “Crack!” went the rocker. He fell backwards, but was fortunately prevented from serious injury by a large potted shrub that caught him. He screamed for help, so I grabbed his arms to help hoist him back upwards. All the while, our sweet lady hummingbird sat atop the nearby lilac bush, staring right at the upset scene. Once my husband was upright, she continued to stare right at him, for what seemed like 30 seconds. Then when it was clear he was safe, she flew off satisfied that all was well.

We look forward to seeing our hummers again this year. The feeder is out patiently awaiting their return, and the flowers are soon to bloom. We've since bought two much sturdier rocking chairs. Hopefully our concerned angel will be back to keep her eye on us again.