The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
I'm a hope'n your week is a go'n fine thus far.
The Bird and The Cat
Last week I observed an enterest'n situation. Look'n out my kitchen window, early one morn'n, I noticed a stray cat, that had taken residency in our barn, play'n with somethin' in the grass. On careful inspection I noticed it was a one half feathered robin that had been blown out of it's nest.
The cat was gently paw'n it, roll'n on it's back with it, and carry'n it a few feet at a time from one spot ta another. At no time did it appear to injure the bird in any way, shape or form. Occasional the cat would let the little feller break loose and appear ta be escape'n on foot. It could not fly yet. Then quickly the cat would pounce on it's prey and play with it some more.
It seemed a strange and unusual situation. As I watched the drama unfold I noticed the real motive of that very smart barnyard cat.
About twenty (20) ta twenty-five (25) adult robins were aggressively dive bombing the cat and carry'n on with much noise and commotion. They were, in a combined effort, try'n ta save the little feller. It was enterest'n ta watch how in their co-operative effort they tried ta drive the cat away from it's victim.
I was caused ta wonder what instinct would provide those birds the ability ta attack such a large predator that obviously was their strong enemy, even risk'n their lives for some other's young.
I then noticed the true meaning of the cat's actions. As the cat let it's victim supposedly escape the adult birds became astutely aware there remained time yet ta save the young life. They would dive even closer ta intimidate the cat.
When they became very close, the cat lunged at the adult birds. It became obvious the game plan of that smart ole barn cat was ta use his smaller, inadequate meal as a tool ta catch one or more larger meals.
I had been notice'n remain'n feathers of birds in the backyard where the cat's plan had obviously in some manner out foxed other birds as they fed or mated on the ground. This was one smart cat.
Immediately I stepped ta the back door and made my presence known. The cat abandoned the little critter the minute I appeared. Off ta the barn he scurried where Mrs. Bruke keeps a bountiful supply of commercial cat food.
The little bird was a partially feathered robin and the adults were all fully grown robins. I love robins. I placed him on a high location for it's mother ta continue feed'n. As I placed it there it opened it's beak wide hope'n ta receive a worm or some food from it's mother. It appeared uninjured.
The drama reminded me of our politicians, both state and national. How they toy with one group of victims ta achieve their goals with a catch of a larger windfall. All the while their "barn" is adequately supplied ta fill all their needs.
Anyways more comparisons could be made but I think ya should have gotten my point. Mother Nature often provides some enterest'n comparisons.
Burma Shave Revisited
Now for some old memories on Burma Shave advertisements. Yes, you younger folk, in days of old, we used ta observe these signs along the mostly, two lane highways, as we drove at what today might seem moderate speeds:
These sure bring back old memories.
Burma Shave Revisited
Don't stick your elbow
Out so far
It may go home
In another car
Burma Shave
Trains don't wander
All over the map
"Cause nobody sits
In the engineer's lap
Burma Shave
She kissed the hairbrush
By mistake
She thought it was
Her husband Jake
Burma Shave
Don't lose your head
To gain a minute
You need your head
Your brains are in it
Burma Shave
Drove too long
Driver snoozing
What happened next
Is not amusing
Burma Shave
Brother speeder
Let's rehearse
All together
Good morning, nurse
Burma Shave
Cautious rider
To her reckless dear
Let's have less bull
And a little more steer
Burma Shave
Speed was high
Weather was not
Tires were thin
X marks the spot
Burma Shave
The midnight ride
Of Paul for beer
Led to a warmer
Hemisphere
Burma Shave
Around the curve
Lickety-split
Beautiful car
Wasn't it?
Burma Shave
No matter the price
No matter how new
The best safety device
In the care is you
Burma Shave
A guy who drives
A car wide open
Is not thinking'
He's just hoping'
Burma Shave
At intersections
Look each way
A harp sound nice
But it's hard to play
Burma Shave
Both hands on the wheel
Eyes on the road
That's the skillful
Driver's code
Burma Shave
The one who drives
When he's been drinking
Depends on you
To do his thinking
Burma Shave
Car in ditch
Driver in tree
The moon was full
And so was he
Burma Shave
Have a good week and treat ever one well.
Remember, Father's Day is in one week and a half (1 1/2).
Hope'n ta see ya in church.
Remember; wherever ya are, whatever ya be a do'n "BE A GOOD ONE!"
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
Barnyard Bruke