Evening star., 1950-01-10
This and That
By Charles E. TraceweH
FALLS CHIJRcH Va

Dear Sir:
THE biggest surprise received Christmas
morning came to me about 10 o'clock, long
before opened the "a other gifts 1t was the
return OF the cardinals mate, when she
appeared on the vine which hangs above
the board on which he was having his break
1ast. Later IN the day. she perched on the
far end OF the board while he was having
his lunch, and again just before dark.
I've never seen this couple so chummy
at this season Of year, nor did I expect to
see any hint Of mating until early spring,
taking 1t for granted she usually flies South
each year.
Is this unusual among this specimen or
does 1t presage an early spring? We haven't
mad our share OF winter yet, or have we?
I have more woodpeckers than usual and
q mockingbird who hasn't touched the
doughnuts I put out yet. but allows the tit
mice TO get there first. What kind mocker
ne must be! Sincerely yours, o. c."
Now this surprises us, that any one could
wait until half the morning was gone on
Christmas Day to open ones presents.
What time do you open your Christmas
presents?" we asked Templeton Jones'
mat handsome and astute gentleman
smiled his usual charming smile.
Well he said, don't tell any one, but
usually open mine on Christmas eve"
"Honest?" we asked
Honest" he answered.
."It seems rather"
i thought SO once, but not now" said
Jones' Il spent lifetime, more or less,
scarcely being able to wait until Christmas
morning.
In the old days, it seemed to me- children
spent more time wondering about Santa
Claus, and were more eager to open their
gifts than they are today
I grew up under the Injunction not to
open till Christmas.
I obeyed it so long it became second
and even third nature
Then one Christmas several years ago,
grew bold.
I broke the old rule, and opened them
all on Christmas eve.
I thought it would ruin Christmas, but
1t didn't at all.
every one But for certain folks, 1t is not
bad plan"
Not every one" we suggested "laas your
philosophical nature"
Philosophical fiddlesticks," retorted Tenn
pleton' Jones. TITS all a matter of what vo,
want to do"
To regard redbird as Christmas gift
is to have something well worth keeping. To
think OF the birds and animals outside your
window as a real part of the Christmas is
very good.
AS to what the return of one to a neigh
oorhood means we do not know. Cardinals
DO not migrate, in the usual sense.
The absent mate was probably Just around
the corner, that was all.
Return Of the female bird simply meant
that she had met up with her friend of the
airways.
Unusually warm weather makes the birds
think OF spring, certainly.
There were all sorts of bird sounds in the
air recently. when the Thermometers touched
80 degrees. and even at So
We would suggest to this kind correspon-
dent that IT her mockingbird does not touch
doughnuts to try raisins. Birds have their
peculiar tastes, as well as humans, and
though most Knockers like doughnuts, every
now and then one will turn up its bill at
such fare.
Anything made out of dough is sure to
have its takers. Old starlings love dough-
nuts. and slices Of bread. If one has sneak
ing fondness for starlings it is good plan
to invest in loaf of bread now and then
just for them Spread the slices on the lawn,
and watch the fun. Slices Of bread flying
through the air have an odd appearance
when propelled by. these big black fellows.