Swoop

We experienced some high drama this morning as Toby, Bethany and I headed off to church. There are two ways we can go, one has a long hill, and as Bethany was on her bike, we chose the flatter route. It turns out that it is the route with the angry magpie. Bethany burst into tears when she realised what the first tap on her helmet was, and panicked when there were four more! She took off at great speed, yelling at the top of her voice and going in the wrong direction. I ran after her balancing my coffee and handbag, trying to catch up. We eventually got out of the magpie's territory and the rest of the walk was uneventful. At least Bethany had a helmet on, Toby and I were bare headed and pleased to have been spared!

Toby walked home by himself and took the same route. It seems that the magpie will choose a bike rider if there is a choice, but will go for the walker if he is alone. Needless to say we will be taking the long uphill walk from now on. Bethany and I took it home and enjoyed the flowers, unmolested by pesky birds.

As much as I love the blossoms, they are so short-lived. This house has a magnolia and blossoms.

This house, despite a lack of blossom or magnolia, is the prettiest on the street, even if the dog looks a little bored.