Let's meet the Cardinal

I don't know about you, but I had never met a cardinal. Not until my friend Janice posted a comment on this blog and introduced me to the Northern Cardinal.

A member of the North American congregation, this cardinal exudes passion from his brilliant red plumage, and royalty from the outstanding galero crowning his head. This humble cardinal is happy with the modest grub that kind hearts offer in their back yard.

Through the seasons, this small eye-catching cardinal travels throughout the eastern US and Canada spreading a joyful message and filling people's heart with song. A special cardinal indeed.




So thank you Janice for giving me and readers of this blog a glimpse of garden life in your part of the world.

And thank you all that post a comment - i'm not able to change my island's isolation, but through your comments, i'm starting to fly over the cuckoo's nest.

Twit! twit!
Calypso

PS: You too can enjoy the Northern Cardinal's musical message by clicking on the title of this posting. Alternatively, go to:
http://www.learnbirdsongs.com/birdsong.php?id=3

October in the cycle of life

October ushers another phase in the cycle of life, bringing new beginnings and welcome returns. My children are finally back at school and Autumn is making herself at home. The rain I’ve been yearning for these last five months has finally arrived and the vine leaves are turning a crinkly, burgundy brown. The migratory birds have also arrived, in transit from Europe to Africa.

Some days ago I heard a familiar “tzz, tzz, tzz” coming from the orange tree. I peered from the kitchen window and sure enough there were the Sardinian warblers which last April had nested in our bougainvillea.

As you can see from the picture, they’re now having one big party pecking away at the insects stuck to the orange tree leaves, before continuing their journey to Africa.

I’m amazed at how toothpick legs and an egg-cup sized body can carry these birds across thousands of miles from Africa to Europe in June, and now from Europe back to Africa. Truly a wonder of nature.

Do you have any permanent residents or guests in your garden or yard? Or do you remember any autumn visitor to your garden? Write and tell me about them. You may send pics to calypsos.journalatgmail.com

Sahha!
Calypso

October Musings

Do you know what the word October means? I don’t. So I consult the cyber oracle.

According to Wikipedia, October’s name comes from the Greek word “octo” meaning “eight”.

But why eight, when October is the tenth month?

Wikipedia enlightens: October may well be the tenth month in the Gregorian calendar we use nowadays. But in the old Roman calendar used previously, October was the eighth month. When the Gregorian Calendar was adopted, and January and February were added on, October became the tenth month but retained its old name.

No, I’m not going to investigate when the Gregorian Calendar was adopted because we’ll end up living in Wikipedia for the rest of our lives. But if you like you can find out and let me know, and while you’re at it let me know why it’s called Gregorian, not something else.

The painting you see here is entitled "October", and is from the 15th century illimunated manuscript "Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry". The painting depicts peasants tilling and sowing fields in the shadow of the Louvre – Charles V’s royal palace in Paris. The king, I presume, is inside munching bread and cakes.

What images does October conjure in your mind? Share your thoughts and feelings on October by leaving a comment.

Are there any pictures relating to October or Autumn that you’d like to share ? If so, send a reduced size copy of it to: calypsos.journalatgmail.com (replace at with @)

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