The news has been so heavy lately, I thought I’d revisit my cheerier column of July 28, 2022. I had stopped by Coffee Traders to see what the buzz was around Cochrane.
Two of our coffee companions had invited me to join them at their window table. They began showing me photos of wildlife that had brought joy to their journeys. What particularly caught my attention was Ginette Losier’s photo of a blue jay that made a habit of visiting her table just outside her window when she lived in Vancouver…
BLUE JAY at table outside Ginette’s window? I got out my smartphone and scrolled through window-view photos I’ve taken of wildlife I’ve experienced from my Traders table over the years.
I began with the table we were sitting at now. Nine years ago, I was joined by an amazing chap who took its seat on the windowsill at the end of that same table. The yellowjacket gazed up at me as if to check me out, but decided not to sting me, as they’re so reputed to do.
Then there was the view outside the window at my balcony table. A squirrel got out on a limb to say hi. I was treated to a pose any photo-nut like me could be grateful for.
And of course, how could I overlook the most common wildlife window visitor at my Traders table? Yes, the house sparrow, on limb, deck and patio.
But I can’t conclude this wildlife reverie without honouring the spruce knot right in front of me at my table. Spruce trees are part of wildlife, right? And this spruce that became my tabletop contained a knotty wide-eyed selfie which just happened to be staring at that yellowjacket across the table all those years ago.
So, that’s what the buzz was that day at my Traders table — and yes, pun intended.
© 2024 Warren Harbeck
