In March when this pandemic started, I was really depressed. It shut down my bed-and-breakfast business and left me feeling isolated and alone. My “Walk and Talk” at Rocky Point also came to a screeching halt.

Luckily, I had my daughter and granddaughters to brighten my days. Over the months, I’ve had my ups and downs.

One of the good things that came out of this whole mess is me learning to really appreciate my home and surroundings.

I’ve also learned to slow down and relax. Really, did I have a choice?

I live in Warwick Neck and have a beautiful view of the water. I’ve spent more time sitting on my deck than I ever have. I’ve also added two bird feeders and a hummingbird feeder. It’s really fun and relaxing to watch the birds. They have their own unique personalities! They fight, feed each other and bath together in my bird bath!

In addition to the sparrows, I have two resident blue jays and finally this week a hummingbird. I feed them twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon. It amazes me how quickly they show up after I put their seeds out! It’s almost like they communicate through chirping, saying, “The buffet is open!”

At times there are probably 30 birds. They have a pecking order and when one is in the feeder, they position themselves to be next. Occasionally you get the bully who just pushes his or her way in! I’ve started doing research on what seeds attract what birds. It’s crazy to me, always being a girl on the go, finding such joy in sitting and watching birds.

I’ve also come to appreciate the flowers and plants in my yard. Every year I would plant and water them, but never really sat and enjoyed them.

So, what I’ve learned is to stop and smell the roses and watch the birds! My blood pressure has gone down and I’m enjoying life so much more!