Vultures and Spring Cleaning

Feasting on Roadkill and Root beer

Lessons from a Vulture

Stand up for what's yours.
Just because it smells bad, doesn't mean it is. -
Waste not, want not.
Eat your leftovers with gusto: dig in, enjoy.
Someone has to do the dirty work.
Even the most menial job, accomplished with dignity, is honorable.
Recycle.
Recognize death as a part of living.
Watch from a distance before making your move.
Practice patience.
Beauty is more than skin deep.
Being bald has its perks.
Air dry whenever possible.
Accept yourself as you are: it's okay to be different.
Hang out with kindred spirits.
Posing like a gargoyle is fun. Try it.
Drink in the view from on high.
Take time to enjoy a good breeze.
Spend some time alone each day.
Move with grace.
Not everyone will appreciate your talents.
Quietly work for the good of all.

Mary Redus

I took this picture of a Turkey Vulture at the side of the road last week. I have seen these big birds on the ground only once before and was drawn to the very homely face. April is finally here but there is a lot of cleaning to do before spring's beauty shines through the grime. The snow banks are grey and dirty. A heavy fog is preceding the rain that will come tonight to start washing the earth clean. Bare, muddy ground is starting to show but no green grows above the dead grass of last season. The melting snow reveals layers of garbage that have been frozen in their icy hideout for months. And the vultures have recently returned to engage in some janitorial duties for the new season. Spring cleaning is a big job, but after it is done there will be time to sit back and enjoy the best of the season. And we can admire the vultures as they soar elegantly in the air.

Turkey Vulture flying above the hospital