One year ago

D

Don Rice

Don Rice
Dressner_Sept_17th_2011.jpg
 
while I was awaiting the arrival of a wine journalist who had some questions for me, I looked out through the window in our back door, and there, perched on the lip of our concrete birdbath, was a young cooper's hawk. I stood quite still, hoping not to scare him off. Ten minutes passed, and though I'd expected he might suddenly bolt back up into the heavens, he'd positioned himself in the middle of the basin, holding roughly two inches of water, taking an occasional drink, but mostly just looking around. Every now and then he yawned. This predatory bird seemed to have found a place to take the morning off.

After twenty minutes had passed, the journalist arrived, and I pointed out the hawk. He took a turn with the binoculars, too, and then I made him a cup of coffee. After another ten minutes or so, we seated ourselves in the dining area, near the same window. The next time I looked out the window--no hawk.

I'd forgotten what day Joe died, but it's nice to remember him, and I always feel blessed by a visitation from a hawk, so having both in one day is cause for celebration.
 
I sure do miss that irascible Importer/ Schnook! Taught me a lot about humor and a little about wine too. Thanks to his family/partners and such for continuing to bring in freaky and delicious wines which allow me to subvert the suburban palate paradigm.
 
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