Peanuts In My Pocket

I picked Peanuts In My Pocket because it parallels a significant shift in my life. Once I retired, I started walking my dog more often. I began my day with an early walk, often putting out some peanuts for a local murder of crows. Two crows adopted me; I call them Roscoe and Reacher. Each day they would anticipate my path and land ahead of me, doing their best to get my attention. It worked. I started carrying peanuts in my pocket, dropping three or four peanuts each time they caught my attention. Their behavior escalated; first, it was two crows, then six, then ten, and sometimes as many as thirty.

Now, when I walk, my pockets are full of peanuts, and I’m accompanied by crows leapfrogging through the neighborhood. People noticed. A neighbor finally asked, “Why do you carry peanuts in your pocket?” I pointed to Roscoe, who flew down to my feet. I dropped a peanut for her, and she snatched it up and flew away. Now I talk to that neighbor, and a dozen others, each time I run into them. The name for my blog came to me after the first interaction. It seemed to fit. I feed the crows and talk to people. My pockets are always full of peanuts. I used to be a bit of a loner. Now, I’m an unofficial member of a murder, and I talk to a lot of new people. I like the change. I’m hoping to replicate it here.

Unfortunately, Rufio is sick and may cross the rainbow bridge soon. It’s not the same without his indifference. Poor boy.