The Curious Sojourner: Thanksgiving Post Card #2

Eastern bluebird on the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail

24 November (Thanksgiving)

A morning walk on the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail was a start to a quiet Thanksgiving Day. Around the farms and communities, Plain People were in their buggies and bicycles on their way to family and friends in celebration of the holiday. A friendly wave or acknowledgment was forthcoming from everyone was especially apparent given the holiday. The weather was pleasant, much warmer than the previous few days, slightly overcast with some fog. The temperature has warmed up and mid 40s so that walking is pleasant.

Beginning from Oakville, a small hamlet that was once a stop on the railroad line, I walked northeast toward town of Newville. Once I left the cluster of houses that constitute Oakville, it was much quieter. The only sounds were that of animals, roosters, dogs, birdsong. But in the distance, reverberating around the valley, the repeated reports of guns, doubtlessly from people are preparing for the opening of hunting season in a few days. While the gunfire is distant, and poses no threat, I cannot help but think about the mass shootings that have occurred in the United States over the past few weeks. There are a many empty chairs around the table this holiday season.

My aim was looking for birds today, specifically bluebirds. Not sure what made me think of bluebirds other than I bought meal worms for our backyard feeders the day before. AS winter sets in, bluebirds retreat to the trail for shelter and showing up at feeders to hold them over during cold snaps. Of course, I stop and look at other birds, the nuthatches, cardinals, blue jays, sparrows, and woodpecker as well. The main benefit of the walk today is the serenity of Thanksgiving morning.

Even though I am by myself for the holiday, the traditions die hard for us. I order two turkey dinners from Bob Evans to be picked up at 1 o’clock; one for this evening, another so that I can have leftovers later, which is just as much of a tradition as the turkey itself. When I arrived the parking lot was packed. It is a reminder of the great fortune I have, many who were dining saw dining out, especially on a holiday, as a real luxury. An elderly couple were waiting for a table as my order was being sorted, the man with a walker, the woman with a cane, both wearing a mask. Cold and flu have been making their rounds locally the last few weeks, and doubtlessly Covid continues to pose a threat to vulnerable people. The couple thought it was worth the risk to go out for dinner to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, perhaps longing for normalcy after two difficult holiday seasons.

It was warm enough that I let Coco go out on the back porch in the Octagon for a little while. I started to pick things up so I could vacuum and noticed that Lucie was at the back door silently requesting outdoor time as well. Both were intent on watching the birds populated the nearby feeders, but after about 20 minutes they were ready to come inside. I made them wait a little bit longer because I had to finish vacuuming. When I went out to get them both restarted right away evidently, they decided it was not warm enough to spend extended time outside. But their little brains have trouble calculating this: a couple hours later, after dark, Coco insistently requested more time on the back porch.