I had planned to regale you with stories about our drunken robins today. This winter’s record lows froze the berries on our palm trees. When that happened, the palm berries fermented on the vine or, in this case, on the frond. Those same record lows sent huge flocks of robins into our heavily wooded, Central Florida back yard, and kept them there longer than usual. The birds gorged on the berries. Result—a goodly number of tipsy robins. So, we were going to talk about my drunken birds who, when they do manage to get off the ground, can’t fly straight. But…
I set off the house alarm at five a.m. this morning. So, instead of tipsy robins, I have some heavy duty apologies to make.
Especially to Dear Hubby. Last night was one of “those nights” when insomnia got the best of him. He was finally drifting off to sleep when the claxon sounded loud enough to give us both heart attacks.
I am sooo sorry about that.
I’m sorry, too, that, even though I punched the code and hit the cancel button, the monitoring company called…an hour later.
And I’m very sorry that by then I was on the treadmill and didn’t hear the phone ring. I’m sure that nice young police officer was just doing his job when he banged on our door. And no, it wasn’t my idea to invite him on a tour of the house. He just wanted to make sure no one was holding a gun to anyone’s head.
As long as I’m apologizing, I’m sorry that thieves broke into our car just before Christmas and that the house behind ours was robbed. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have had the security system installed in the first place.
Most of all, I’m sorry that, despite living in a normally quiet neighborhood in a very small and very quiet town, we also live in a world where security systems are necessary.
I promise not to set ours off at five a.m. anymore. All that racket disturbs the robins. And if there’s one thing worse than a drunken robin, it’s a tipsy robin with a hangover.
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19 comments:
Hi Leigh,
You woke me up with a smile. Tipsy robins. Ha! With the unusual amount of snow here in Texas this year also, I've already blown my annual birdseed budget. But we've had a yard full of beautiful, happy birds.
And I won't go into some of the alarm stories, especially back when we had two teenage boys at home. But hey, it's novel fodder, right?
Hope your day improves!
Just knowing that I brought a smile into someone else's life makes my day better already.
You had me at the tipsy robins, too. I think this explains the heron that fell asleep on one leg in our backyard and remained that way FOR TWO HOURS.
Sounds like things were crazy at chez Duncan, but it's better than dull. And, go YOU, for using that new treadmill!
My new mantra: I love the treadmill. I love the treadmill. I love the treadmill. Even better, I take your advice and listen to RWA workshops while walking on it. Thanks, Roxanne!
Oh Leigh,
not a fun way for you to start the morning, but you sure made me giggle, too. I had no idea about the robins. Mine have been singing a lot lately. Maybe they're tipsy, too.
WAHAHAHAHAHA
Your neighborhood is a never-ending source of amusement for me.
Good job. Loved the blog today
Leigh,
You had me smiling too. Our yard is littered with black birds - sober black birds.
Ah, the infamous alarm system. I set ours off at least once a week. I can never think to turn it off before opening the door. I've scared the post lady more than once. LOL
Thanks for the smile.
Linda
Fun post, Leigh! I read about the tipsy robins and have smiled at all the trees devoid of berries in my neighborhood!! I haven't seen many robins lately, but I usually walk the dog early in the morning and they, no doubt, are sleeping it off! Have a good day! Things are bound to get better!!!
After the second time my brother was robbed the police advised him to get an alarm system. He sleeps a lot better at night now.
An article in our newspaper clued me into the reason why birds had suddenly begun staggering across our back yard.
As for the security alarm, I now have large signs posted on all the doors. Now, if I'll only think to READ them before going out for the newspaper.
Glad I brought some laughter into your day, Cheryl, Cyndi, Linda W & Linda H, and Judy.
From Carrie
Leigh,
My mom's house is party central for many drunken Robins this year too. I went to visit her for a few hours the other day and was rewarded by having my car thoroughly decorated with deep purple Robin droppings. It was very festive looking on my big white car!
You know the police love getting those phone calls for false alarms. It's the fire department that usually comes when my mom sets hers off. Luckily the firemen in mom's area are absolutely gorgeous. She swears she doesn't set it off on purpose. Riiight! Coincidentally, she seems to invite my single sister over each time it "accidentally" happens.
Thanks for the smile, Leigh. I didn't know Robin's could get drunk. Sorry about the alarm going off and the need for one. I'll keep a better eye out for the birds!
What a hoot. The alarm thing is just what happens around my house when one little thing goes wrong. Great story to brighten the day.
Sandy
Carrie - your mom sounds like my kind of gal! I can just see her ogling the firemen.
Sandy - nice to see you here today!
Thanks for stopping in, everyone.
At lest you have a sense of humor about the incident.
Have never seen a tipsy robin, but have see a pig drunk on fermented silage. They just sit down and squeal.
Drunk pigs! Estella, you have made me laugh!
You made me smile picturing tipsy robins.
Haha!! Drunken robins. Heard about those silly little birds! It just might explain the circus performance the feathery friends put on, nearly missing the windshield of my car while I'm driving :)
Adorable post! Made me smile.
There's never a dull moment in your neighborhood, is there?
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