Eating out of my hand

Much as we all would like to have the world eating out of our hands, this is only possible with great kindness, patience and consideration for others and the same noble qualities are also required to make every effort to avoid the more aggressive folk among us from biting our peaceful hands that were stretched out in friendship.

Personally the only success I have ever had in this area is with animals and birds. Most animals do like me, so I am taking this as an indication that I cannot be all bad.

This week I have found that waiting quietly with the aforesaid outstretched hand has been most rewarding.

Anybody reading this will realise that I am prepared to wait for friendship from any quarter when I confess that when venturing out into the countryside I quite often carry at least bird seed with me in case I have the opportunity to commune with nature in any way; I am an animal and bird lover after all.

The first encounter was with a squirrel who looked far from hungry in the first place, but fairly quickly, after an initial wait to see if I would throw him the food that I offered in my palm, confident enough to come closer and closer to me until after one last minute wait for me to make life easy for him by releasing the food, did actually eat repeatedly directly from my hand.  He seemed not to be at all alarmed when I showed him my big teeth in a friendly smile and talked to him whilst he ate.

The second encounter takes the form of the poem written this morning and is equally true.

Meeting Jack

I spotted him from a little way back

And knew he was the one at a glance

When I stopped he said his name was Jack

Then there was no looking back

He led me quite a merry dance

I shortened my stride to a slower pace

He gave me a sharp look as I sat

He looked at me cautiously in my face

Assessing me sitting in this place

I stayed quiet hoping he would chat

Afraid of scaring him away I was very still

He turned back on the path my way

The wait for me was a trial of will

Yet I had plenty of spare time to kill

He got the message I was there to stay

Locking his eyes on mine the boldest yet

Then suddenly stepping over to one side

I stretched my hand out in boldness set

He moved closer a clearer look to get

Waiting a moment to finally decide

Come on come over now to meet

Continuing to stand just inches away

The eating from my hand was sweet

To peck a beak full fast and then retreat

And I had had with him my wicked way

Jackdaw proud and with all due caring

Black cap and of glossy gleaming wings

At least agree that we made a happy pairing

Ignoring the bright coat that I was wearing

A simple act of giving a new love brings

Jack-Chat-Jack-Chat his parting word stings

This mornings swim set is below.

Lane 1
Distance	Clock	Swim Rest
300	60	4.30
250	30	4.00
200	30	3.30
150	60	2.15
100	15	1.45
75	60	1.15
75	15	1.15
75	30	1.15
75	45	1.15
75	60	1.15
75	15	1.15
100	30	1.45
150	15	2.15
200	30	3.30
250	60	4.00
300	60	4.30
swim	down
2400

Lane 2	BX
Distance	Clock	Swim Rest
300	60	8.00
250	30	6.30
200	60	5.30
150	30	4.00
100	30	2.40
100	10	2.30
100	40	2.40
100	20	2.30
50	50	1.15
50	05	1.15
50	20	1.10
50	30	1.10
Swim	Down
1500	mtr