Tuesday, May 29, 2007

the return

He's been gone for several days. At first, it didn't bother me. The kids and I went on with our usual routine. Coffee for me to kickstart the day, the children bouncing and chatting; toast crusts left uneaten and dried cereal flakes caking onto bowls. Ironing at the last minute. Jumping into the car to go here and there. Laughing at Ben's dumb-but-funny jokes. Admiring Laura's fabulous, intricate drawings. Dinner a rowdy, happy affair - each child talking over the other, clamouring to tell their news. Bedtime cosy with cuddles and books. Life went on smoothly without him.

After a couple of days, though, I began to feel a little sad. Each morning I half-expected to see him, and was disappointed that he wasn't with us. I knew he lifted my spirits, but I hadn't realised just how much I'd begun to count on his presence to brighten each day. I wished fervently for his return. I knew all would be well with the world when I laid eyes on his sweet face again.

Today, he has returned, and the kids and I are overjoyed. He's back! We adore him!

Tony, the tawny frogmouth, is perched in our tree once more.

(Oh, and Fatty returns from a conference tomorrow!)

17 comments:

Keshi said...

hehe cute :)

Keshi.

Val said...

I guess I'm not alone in thinking you were talking about Fatty all along??

So, have you and the kids been having dinner in front of the TV or doing some other forbidden thing while Fatty has been away? I remember when my sons were little and hubby was doing a lot of business trips. Even before he was out the door I'd buy rack of lamb, a favorite of mine and the boys but hubby doesn't like for some reason - and that would be our first meal. We'd have cartoon videos from the video shop and it would be a picnic. Sorry, just indulging in my own memories.

rel said...

Jelly,
;-)
rel

Puss-in-Boots said...

Glad to see you have priorities, Jelly...lol!

fifi said...

Hooray!

Last wednesday we found a tawny frogmouth residing about two streets away. Exciting!

I understand your missing him!! :-D

Motherkitty said...

Well, your day is brightened by the unexpected.

You never know what you've missed until it's gone and you realize how happy you are when it returns -- Fatty, I mean.

We're STILL waiting, and waiting. (I think I'm having sympathy Braxton-Hicks. Possible? or just a desire to get the show on the road.)

Redneck Mommy said...

That brought a smile to my face.

In a way, you are my Tony, the tawny frogmouth, but instead of being perched in a tree, you are planted in my computer.

I only hope you don't look like Tony...

meggie said...

What a lovely post! It brought back memories of when GOM used to be away. We treated it like a special treat picnic. He did the same when I went away on my own, so the kids had it both ways.
So glad that Tony is back! I felt like that about our resident Lorikeets, but they dont come now.

Moogie said...

LOL! So do you have a picture of Tony? :)

Oh, and welcome back Fatty!

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

He he he...and I thought (& still do think) that you were talking about Fatty all along. Nice twist at the end.

TUFFENUF said...

You just have to be cute with us don't you, Jelly? I must be out of the loop, I really don't know what a tawny frogmouth is - but oh hell, I will google it!

Anonymous said...

that caught me off guard... :)

Princess Banter said...

Awww -- it's really the small things in life that truly spell bouts of happiness eh? :) I'm happy that you guys are back together again!

Michelle said...

Now there are two avid Bird Watchers in your house - sounds like a real competition could be happening soon!!!

Puss-in-Boots said...

Jelly, thank you so much for your thoughtful message. The last couple of days have been hard, but I'll get there.

Isn't it mad...getting so mooshy over a pet? But...we do, they became like our children...silly as it sounds. Such is life

Thank you again, Jelly.

Kerri said...

You keep me smiling Jelly. Clever, very clever :)
I'm glad your sweet bird and birder are back :)
Thanks for the kind words about my dad...and Kylie. She was radiant that day.
My dad had a great sense of humour. He would've loved reading your blog :)

Mimi said...

Apart from the Tawny Frogmouth your day sounds so like mine! :-)

Mimi