Friday 17 May 2013

Love is stronger than death

After we returned from Scotland a few weeks back we resumed our daily jaunts up to the park. Sadly the condition of Lilo the goose (the angel-winged bird that we had been feeding throughout the winter months) had deteriorated drastically during our week away. Needless to say I logged another query with the RSPCA and also contacted a local wildlife rescue center for advice. They told me that if I could bring Lilo in they would get their vet to treat her and then re-home her with a wildfowl sanctuary. I spent a sleepless night going over in my head how I would borrow my neighbours pet carrier, catch Lilo, jump in a taxi and whisk her off to the wildlife rescue center. However it wasn't to be, we made several trips up to the park loaded with seeds, water, blanket and a pet carrier but we never saw little Lilo again.
I don't like to think that she's gone from this world, she was a tough cookie and despite her handicap she survived a particularly grueling winter. I hope that someone else contacted RSPCA and got them to act on the query, or that somebody did what I was planning to do and took her to a vet or a rescue center.  Mark & I were by no means the only people that looked out for her, she had stolen many hearts in the park, so maybe one of those other people came to her rescue. It's a hopeful thought that makes me happy and one that I think is worth clinging onto.
I just have to sing the praises of a dude on youtube called Scott Coddington, he catches geese by hand and removes fishing line that has been tangled around their legs or captures injured geese to take to the vet. He's amazing. Here are two of his youtube clips...
What an absolute gem of a man, he deserves a medal for his kindness.

Despite Lilo not being there anymore we still make our jaunts to the park.
It may sound all hippy-dippy but our little daily park stroll and wildfowl interaction restores my inner peace.
Speaking of hippy, how do you like my hand knitted poncho?!
No, I didn't knit it myself, I'm absolutely useless with knitting or crochet needles. It was bought from a charity shop a few years ago and it has a rather sweet label that reads "From fleece to finish by Norma McCall". The yarn that Norma used/made is absolutely amazing, the colours are like a rainbow of mottled pastels.
I've actually nicked a dress off the Frocktasia rail today, isn't she a beauty?!
It's an Afghan frock that has been shortened. Most of these dresses reach well below the knees but I think this is a far better length for let say a muddy summer festival, would look swell with the quintessential wellies too. This frock will be back on the rail for my next market.
Hand-knitted poncho, Afghan dress, layered tights, 70s boots, Balinese earrings that were a gift from gorgeous Vix
This is my friend Mr Grey...
We hit it off straight away when I told him that I'm not a fan of North Face. He is so incredibly gentle when he eats the seed out of my hand and he even lets me stroke his chest from time to time.
Mr & Mrs Grey only have one little gosling...
A week ago there was a pair of Canada geese with ten goslings but apparently this breed of geese are well known for forming gosling creches. From what I've seen the average gosling number to a pair is around three. These three get a daily dose of healthy seed from us, with any luck it will prevent them from getting angel wing in the future.
The ferocious winds that have been battering London over the past few days have finally abated but it looks as if the blanket cloud cover is here to stay for a wee while longer.
The sun will find a way to break through eventually and when it does I shall be ready with my picnic basket and barefeet...there's a patch of grass underneath a blossoming lilac tree in the park with my name written all over it ;)
Here is 'The The' to sing us out with their beautiful song 'Love Is Stronger Than Death', enjoy :)
Happy Friday beautiful people...
May the sun shine on your path and happiness fill your heart.
Loads of love,
Jennie
xXx


14 comments:

thorne garnet said...

Those grey birds are beautiful. Love the one with his back turned. It looks like his wearing a fancy tail coat

Idee Fixe said...

What a kind (& brave!) man Scott Coddington is! You look so pretty & colourful next to your fav rhododendron, matches nicely! Wow, I guess that is a hand-spun, dyed, & crocheted poncho you snagged -- a lovely treasure! I'm still picturing Lilo happily recovering & am glad you are too! The other geese with their goslings are so lovely, you've reminded me to buy seed! We have a cardinal family that returns every year to our yard, and some lovely goldfinches, with the other assorted birds that visit & nest. Enjoy the lilacs, mine are sadly fading now (the wisteria is blooming wildly so I still have a lovely scent wafting by while I sit outside) and I hope you get that picnic under them soon! XXX

Panty Buns said...

You and Mark are obviously sweet very caring people having hoped to rescue Lilo. I too hope she made it. That fellow Scott Coddington is really adept at catching/rescuing geese. I remember from my childhood that geese and ducks can give quite a nip. I see you have a duck amongst the pigeons you're feeding in the first photo.
The "From fleece to finish by Norma McCall" fringes poncho is pretty. I LOVE the colour of your dress! That shade of pink is my favourite colour.
It's nice seeing the Goslings. Enjoy your Spring :)

Unknown said...

Jag - vi bor mitt i den norrländska skogen och matar småfåglar hela vintern , djurvän är jag och blir väldigt störd när när djur far illa... Min lilla häst är snart sönder älskad precis som hunden och katterna . Men .jag är livrädd för duvor och papegojor!!

Louise Mc said...

It's so lovely that you guys take care of the birds in the park. Mr Grey is beautiful. I hope someone had taken care of Lilo for you. Love that poncho. Have a great weekend. X

Flora Cruft said...

Great poncho action, I love all the pinks on you! Let's hope Lilo has moved on but is recovering well, and now the Goslings and Mr Grey have your attention lucky things!

Ulla-Marie said...

Och där strålar du ikapp med de andra blommorna! Hur snygg som allra helst. Att mata fåglar är ett underskattat nöje. Det jobbiga är att få det rättvist fördelat bara ...

Curtise said...

Ah, poor Lilo, hope she is OK.
Great poncho, look at all the lovely colours, and the shortened Afghan dress is a beauty.
I am always a bit wary of geese, they can be aggressive sometimes. There is a park in York I have been to with the kids where we get surrounded and they try to nip you!
Have a lovely weekend. xxx

Krista said...

Ah Lilo maybe she feel in love and ran away. We have crazy mean geese down by the pond at our place. Peetee is so scared of them and they will come after him if he gets too close. I also hate that their crap is every where.

This dress is a real beauty! I love it!
XXOO

Connie said...

Oh my dear sweet little Jennie. You are every bit as much the hero as Scott Coddington. The ducks and geese at the park probably think you're another colorful bird with your poncho looking like wings. Wouldn't it be fun to fly?

Unknown said...

You are so beautiful :)
Reva

Leslie Wilson-Rutterford said...

Lovely birds and frock! I'm going thru to select a few for your June Dandy feature. Great taste in music, Jennie. Love The The, and am continuously surprised by the length and breadth of your cultural suss!

Vix said...

Those geese are so cute, a couple of our neighbours keep them as guards and they make one heck of a noise when anyone walks past.
Love your Afghani dress, such a vibrant colour. The poncho is fabulous,too. The perfect outfit for a distinctly chilly May. xxx

Vanessa said...

This is a heartbreaking post! I hope that Lilo is safe and happy, wherever she may be.

Also, you've totally inspired me to try making a poncho of my own. I've been learning to crochet, and I needed a big project for winter. That might be just the ticket!