American Goldfinches and being grateful

The American Goldfinches are back, after I replaced the ugly white thistle sock with a proper feeder. Their bright flashes of yellow illuminate the view from the porch. I've tried to take pictures of them, but they've been blurry and too far away.

Happily, the goldfinches are also sipping water from the bird bath, so hopefully, they think our garden is a good habitat. Two males were chasing each other from the feeder this evening.

But the lovely (almost summer) evening encouraged a meditation on being grateful.

I find grounding in my experience of nature in our garden, in natural areas, and gardens that I visit. The connection with nature that I experience is something that I derive sustenance from.

I wish for more people to be able to connect to the green world, whether it's via plants on a balcony, growing vegetables for the first time, planting flowers next to the porch, or walking in the woods or a natural area.

I've only had to endure 3 years of an office without a window over my work life (a blessing, to be sure), and I still had a respite of working in the Garden with volunteers.

My surroundings are much different now.

For so many things, I'm grateful.