February | 2021 | Making memories

To mark the first anniversary of lockdown, I share some memories. The things we have lost. The things we miss. We are in Level 5 since mid December. Some people are struggling to cope because they already have other challenges. For some people it is too much. It breaks my heart…

St Patrick’s Parade canceled for second year.

Travel restrictions devastated tourism and separated multinational families.

People are forced to remain within 5 km of their home, which is particularly hard on the residents living in city areas.

Lack of human contact and social interactions is the worst. I opened this old file from a charity event photo shoot and sighed. The last time I hugged a friend was at funeral in March 2020! I haven’t been out for a meal with a friend since last summer! Not that I cannot cope or anything, but sure all of this is doing an invisible damage. There are many other problems that have worsened since the pandemic began.

I have read some pandemic-themed books in the past. They turned out to be quite prophetic.

To finish on a good note: at least we have learned to appreciate a simple hug:)

Stay safe! Sending you many virtual hugs!

There have been no birds in my blog since October. I looked through my files and opened one with a note saying “for revision”, a long forgotten walk along the estuary in Tramore, Co Waterford. This place is known for its great diversity of waterfowl, gull and wader species, especially in winter months, but there is a number of songbirds residing there throughout the year. I selected some photographs and was not surprised to find that all the birds were facing the same direction. They are facing the wind. They will fly into the wind using its energy and the currents.

The same like the airplanes, these Lapwings take off and land into the wind.

All young birds must learn it.

Goldfinches,

Stonechats,

Pipits,

Dunnocks,

Linnets.

I spent hours there that day, till the golden sunset, and even after.

What I want to say is that facing the wind is an advantage. Wind is not an obstacle. Flying into the wind gives birds the lift they need, and control of flight. Birds knew this from the beginning of the World. When we face something that resists the forward motion, this might as well be the right time to fly.

February is my Blogoversary month. Thank you for your friendship and support. I love you all.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!