A day of encouragements

It’s been a day full of encouragement! It started with a sighting of a female blackbird early this morning on the stepping stone path below the old railway sleeper steps near the twisted hazel tree, on which are hanging the bird feeders.

When I saw her I went straight out in my dressing gown and scattered a few sultanas on the path and went back indoors to watch. Sure enough I saw not one, but two female blackbirds flying towards the path, although one was frightened off by another bird. But the other one landed and hopped over to the sultanas and helped herself. I really had the feeling that the birds were starting to be on the lookout for their treats, and it made my day.

Then much later I saw this coal tit on the peanut feeder, which was another encouragement to me because I’ve been remarking to Smithers lately that I haven’t seen any coal tits or long-tailed tits for ages. It's not a brilliant photo, but it's proof of the sighting!

But the best bit of encouragement came mid morning when we went to collect Smithers’ new reading glasses. These were recommended to him to help him focus better when he’s reading his iPad – they have special prisms which should make it a bit easier for him. 

While we were sitting having the glasses checked and fitted, a lady walked in and went to the reception desk to book in for an eye test. She looked vaguely familiar but I was concentrating on Smithers and didn’t look at her closely. After a few minutes, though, she looked at me with a quizzical look on her face, a bit uncertainly, and I suddenly realised who it was. She had worked for us for many years at our family business, which closed fifteen years ago. It was so good to see her. I gave her a big hug and we started chatting about old times. 

She then made our day when she said that ours was the best company she ever worked for, and how sad she was when it had to close. It was just what Smithers needed to hear, it was so affirming for him. We’ve been feeling a bit low lately so her words gave us both a lift, and meeting her out of the blue was a real blessing and the best encouragement of all.