We recently took a daytrip down to Tallahassee. It was lovely weather with lovely views and lovely animals. It was all lovely and fine and dandy until we decided to do the ropes course. The last time we were there, AB did a children’s ropes course and it all went well. During this visit, we all signed up for the larger, higher course with ziplines. Annabelle isn’t what I’d call an adventure seeker. She has no dreams of being a stormchaser. I had my doubts about her achieving this particular course, but I didn’t want to rain on her bravery too much. I offered the opportunity to change her mind many times, but soon enough we found ourselves at the very top of the course. That’s when she questioned her decision to be brave. We were told several times we could not go back. The only way out was forward! She stayed twelve inches behind me the entire time. Those things are shaky enough with only one person on them. They were not made for a mother and daughter duo. She was terrified. I told her over and over that the ropes and harnesses were of the highest safety, tested by the best in the land. Maybe the ropes were safe, but I had my doubts about the ol’ wooden ladder we walked across. When was the last time the Coast Guard came out to check that? I cannot emphasize how stressed I was. We moved painstakingly slowly. With every shake, I envisioned her slipping off and her entire life flashed before my eyes. I even thought that another csection would have been more enjoyable than dangling on those logs. She got off after the fourth obstacle/second zipline and instantly my blood pressure went back to normal and I zipped through the remainder of the course. It’s amazing what not fearing for your child’s life will do for your mental and physical health.

In other news, THERE ARE HUMMINGBIRDS IN MY YARD. I repeat. Hummingbirds in my yard. I cannot convey the excitement this has given me. I’ve had a bird village in the front yard, a bird city (complete with new bird picnic table), and a hummingbird feeder in the back for several years, but nary a hummingbird came by. Several weeks ago, I put out a second hummingbird feeder and low and behold, the little flutterers have descended upon my yard in full force. “Full force” meaning there are three, but that’s 300% more than I had before. What can I say? My sugar water brings all the birds to the yard. We’ve named them Honey Bird, Honey B and Honey C. We can’t tell the difference between them, but that technicality has not stopped us.

This subpar photo is sure to be featured as the May photo of next year’s National Geographic calendar.