I pulled out a gift card and navigated the website to order lunch. Chicken wrap, Texas caviar with chips, and creamy chicken tortilla soup. The receipt said it would be ready in fifteen minutes--just enough time to make myself presentable and drive the five minutes to the restaurant.
It was my first visit, and I passed the pickup shelves before turning around and realizing my order was already bagged and ready.
The skies were cloudy, the weather warm and breezy as I got home. Too nice to stay inside, I thought to myself. I dropped off my purse, grabbed a drink and some paper towels, and headed to the backyard with lunch in hand.
The mama cardinal at the feeder fluttered away at my approach. I settled in at the patio table, my back to the sun. I purposefully left my smartphone in the house and enjoyed the feeling of being unplugged. The food was delicious, and as I munched my way through lunch, the birds worked their way back to the feeder. The chickadees and titmice arrived first, zooming in with their quick touch-and-go pickups. A wren took its time, as did the doves, before the bluejays scared them off the perches.
A hawk rode the air current far overhead. People came by in ones and twos on the hike and bike past my yard, chatting on phones and with each other. I could feel the sun slightly burning my arms. It felt good, and I took one deep breath after another.
A full hour passed before the breeze became stronger, threatening to blow away my trash. I threw it in the garbage bin on the side of the house as I headed back to the front door. Settling in on the couch with a good book, I couldn't help but smile. Lunch al fresco filled my stomach and my soul, leaving me content for the remainder of the day.
Such an idyllic scene, Chris. Birds lift my spirits immeasurably. I don't have a bid feeder but I have been thinking of getting one. I delight in your Mama cardinal and the others, especially that hawk; these birds are amazingly graceful. I know they're predators but this fact doesn't detract from their incredible beauty. We need these moments to fill our souls daily - sustenance, sunlight, sights that speak to the spirit. Your slice did this for me this morning. :)
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