Stressed

I've been on an emotional roller coaster since the bluebird couple arrived and began setting up housekeeping in one of the nesting boxes.

If I don't see any sign of them for hours, I panic and worry that they've moved on.

If I see them, I'm ecstatic and assured they plan to stay awhile and raise a little family.

At the moment I'm panicked. I haven't seen any activity at the nesting box for 36 hours.

I'm trying to keep a level head. I've put out fresh nectar for the hummingbirds, which should blow into town any minute.

I've set out an orange half for the Baltimore orioles, which sometimes arrive here as early as May 3. I've also made fresh cakes of suet, which they absolutely love.

I've made a Frozen Mocha Toffee-cruch terrine, not for the bluebirds but for human consumption. And the humans consumed it mighty quickly. Recipe here.

And I've been knitting to calm my nerves. These slippers are Duffers, a free pattern and a quick knit. I'll definitely make more of these, and next time I'll make the instep just a little higher by adding a couple or three more rows.

I've also knit a Tulip baby sweater, size 6 months, for no one in particular but just because I wanted to experience the fun to incorporating various colors into one design. I think of it as a Crayola sweater.

So that's it. Back to my binoculars trained on the bluebirds' nesting box....