# 92 - Don't Like "View From My Window"

View Competition

For a few months I've studied window view images, posted from around the world.

The Facebook group "View from my window' gained momentum, when people all over the world were under stay- at-home orders. There were images of snowy mountain scenes, kangaroos in the yard, breathtaking beach sunsets... all from windows.

Anyone could contribute, but I just looked. I didn't want to compete with all those Instagram-Perfect photos. I was tempted to just share this photo of an art piece, that happens to be in the  bathroom. I like pretending that's really my view!

Balcony View

Actually, have a pretty nice view from upstairs. This little balcony on the back of the house, hasn't had a person on it for about 10 years. 

The wrought iron furniture has gotten rusty and the wood is dried out. But in late March, I started taking my coffee and cereal up there in the morning. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. 

Then I displayed some Tibetan prayer flags on the railing. They flutter in the breeze while I watch ducks on the water or birds overhead. Sometimes I spot an interesting bird... walking on the hedges.

Happy Hour

The balcony gets lots of sun in the evening, but in April the weather was still cool enough to have a little happy hour, without melting in the sunshine.

Don and I have waved to a few neighbors, on their walks. We've watched strangers, strolling with their dogs or kids. I've spotted a couple of photo shoots, with young graduates in their gowns. I've seen women dressed in saris and some people wearing face masks. I guess some people have watched us too. "Look at that lady in the silly straw hat!"

Entertainment

We got to watch a fire truck do a little hose practice one day.

We were glad they weren't needed for any emergencies.

Sun and Rain

The most fun, was watching the Blue Angels when they did a fly-over in Houston. They were loud and fast, but the quick show gave so many people in Texas and Louisiana a lift, on that very same day!

I wish the balcony had a roof. I would love to sit out during the rain. Maybe I'll take an umbrella out there, next time.

Odd Things

The oddest thing I saw was in March, when I spotted an ice cream truck. It passed over the bridge, accompanied by an eerie recording of Greensleeves. It felt like a mirage at that time, because no one was leaving their homes then. We and our neighbors were hunkered down, struggling to understand what this pandemic was all about. That seems so long ago!

By mid April, we started spotting more people fishing around the lake. Kids with poles wandered over from their homes.  One day a few trucks arrived and teenagers set up a tent. I started to feel like nosy, Mrs. Kravitz. I wanted to march out there and remind them of social distancing. But they pretty much just fished.  
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Spiffing up With Paint

By the time May rolled around, I was tired of covering the rusty chairs with towels.

Yay, for Stay at Home projects... even though many people in Texas are not staying home, once the state started opening up in May.

Big Sky

But I'm just going to keep enjoying the view and keeping close to home. 

The days are getting warmer, but the sunsets are getting better. And there's a good breeze up here! Maybe it's time for nighttime star-gazing from the balcony.  
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