Monday Musings: Books, Birds and Birks
Happy Monday ladies. I’m not sure what difference it makes that it’s Monday but let’s start the week off on a happy note:) Our temperatures hit the 80’s over the weekend which seems ridiculously early to be so hot but I’m loving it because the sun is out. These are a few of the ramblings on my mind this week.
Dust Jackets
I’m really enjoying this book by Pulitzer-prize winning fashion journalist Robin Givhan. It’s a fascinating topic but the dust jacket isn’t holding up well. Trivial I know, but there it is. I like dust jackets because they give you a little synopsis of the book and you can fold them to the inside to keep your place. They’re designed to keep the book clean and it turns out, a book without its jacket, isn’t worth very much. Who knew? People have been known to take off their book jackets, file them neatly, then put back on when they loan the book to friends. Do you remove your dust jackets? Enquiring minds want to know:)
Hummingbirds
I’ve just bought a third hummingbird feeder and am still striking out. The previous owner left me this feeder which they wouldn’t drink from, so I bought these, which they also won’t go near. I make the recommended 1 to 4 sugar and water mixture, clean the feeder, and yet the hummingbirds want nothing to do with them. My friend Terry had a birdfeeder on her back porch that the birds swarmed. It looked so easy. I read that you should not put red food coloring in the water so I’m not. If I could get even one bird to sip from a feeder, I’d order this adorable glass one. Or this one so I could see them up close. Any suggestions?
Birkenstock’s
I don’t think of myself as a “hippie-type” person but I seem to be leaning that way. I use and wear mala (meditation) beads, I use and diffuse essential oils, I have healing crystals on my desk and bedside table, I eat organic food and now I’ve ordered my first pair of Birkenstocks. I’ve ordered these for the garden and around the house because they’re waterproof and have lots of support. I’ve never worn Birks before but many of you swear by their comfort so I’m anxious for mine to arrive. I may even wear them with the caftan I am obsessing over..more on that another day.
Be well and wear what makes you feel confident.
xx
Hi, Jennifer. This is an interesting post and of course, I, too, have opinions! Hummingbirds will more readily use a feeder that is near some kind of shrub or small tree that will provide cover and a place to rest. I’ve had all kinds of feeders and really like the expensive red plastic best. I also think having some plants around that attract butterflies is helpful. Google for a list.
I am a retired librarian and always leave the covers on my books. Often, it’s how I identify them on the shelf! I don’t use the cover flap as a bookmark as it starts the deterioration of the cover (personal opinion).
I love my Birkenstocks! I’ve had several pairs in the last 20 years. My favorite is called the ‘Florida’. It has three smaller straps across rather than the larger ones. I have the plastic type too that I wear for small chores outside, like watering. I, too, have a bunion. It might hurt for a while, but the shoe will eventually conform to your foot, making it very comfortable.
I had a pair of Birkenstocks once. I can tell you that, if you have bunions , they are not for you!
I do have bunions so fingers crossed they’ll be ok
I leave the book jackets on when flipping through my (many) decorating and coffee table books. I use Kindle for fiction and self-help type books now so no jackets to consider. I’ve never owned Birks but people swear by them! (I’m deathly afraid of garden creatures so wear wellingtons even when it’s sweltering.) I’m very into the idea of caftans and am curious what you recommend. They seem so glamorous yet comfy. Stay well. Xx
My husband is facing surgery and possible further treatment. The idea of healing crystals sound appealing. Could you offer suggestions or point me in a direction. Thank you.
I’m not an expert in an way but have read a few small books. I started with this one https://shopstyle.it/l/bgFpN which I bought on audible. I also bought one on Chakra healing which I’ve just started. I’m sending healing thoughts your way
Hi Jennifer:
You will love your Birkenstocks – even though some people call them “old lady shoes” hahah!
In my opinion, the thing about hummingbird feeders is consistency. When you’re trying to attract them, just keep the feeders out in a friendly, safe space with a fresh supply of undyed sugar water – 1 to 4 ratio. I’ve been doing this for 3 years now and finally have about 4 hummingbirds. I love watching them! If you do this I think they will come. Good luck!
I love my leather Birkenstock’s.
When your title said “Birks” I thought Canada’s iconic jewellery store😄
Be well.
I tried once with a hummingbird feeder for one day. Sometime between hanging it up and waking up the next morning I discovered that some sort of bird or animal had managed to fling sugar water all over the front of the house, front door, window shutters, front porch and all areas had already been infested with ants. What a big mess! Now I plant zinnia beds with all of their bright colors and there is almost always at least one or two hummingbirds and a lot of beautiful butterflies on the zinnias. All they need is watering and cutting some for bouquets so they rebloom quicker, and they are good to go. All the zinnias need is a sunny place and watering at the roots when they get dry. For a couple of years there was the tiniest little hummingbird who sat on a branch and guarded his zinnia beds from other hummers. Many times I have had the hummers come very close to me and hover and look me right in the face. After discovering how territorial they are, I wonder now if they could see their reflection in my sunglasses and thought there was another hummer invading their space. They also regularly checked the flowered wreath or basket with flowers I usually have on the front door. They left disappointed. They are so beautiful. I’ve seen videos where hummers would come and drink sugar water directly out of peoples hands.
Wow! I need Zinnias
My husband is the hummingbird caretaker around our house. I agree that the simple feeders work well as they’re the easiest to keep clean. He makes a big batch of sugar water and stores it in an old 1/2 gallon Vodka bottle he keeps in the fridge. He also changes the water often as it will ferment in warm weather.
I’ve never been able to wear birks. The arch doesn’t fit right and makes my feet ache no matter what size I’ve tried. But I know I’m in the minority and many swear by them. As for gardening, I like a closed toe shoe I can slip on and off when going in and out of the house. All it takes is one time of dropping even a small pair of clippers in just the right spot on a toe or stepping in a gooshy mess to see why. Right now I have an old pair of walking shoes with the laces tied really loose so I can slip them on and off. I’m looking for something different, but so far I haven’t come up with anything I like better. I may sacrifice a fairly new pair of BZees slip ons as they can be tossed in the washing machine. Right now, they’re my in-house only shoes.