It’s my first morning on the river. I awoke early (for me) so I could experience the morning.  I also awoke to an extended family of squawking Canadian geese. Deafening... (Makes me miss the busses and garbage trucks in my city life.)

Initial impressions: mildew-y. Someone with my sinuses might prefer space in Arizona. Our West Virginia river house is all humidity all the time. Of course it did rain last night – that may contribute to the dampness.

From where I sit on the front porch I look left and see a crashed dock that was evidently torn from its moorings during the winter floods. I’m on a slight knoll, so I’m free from flood. We think. As I look upstream, I see a dead tree and a pile of leaves and brush. I can’t speak for the tree, but I suspect the previous owner, Mr Leroy Williams saw it fit to rake leaves to the neighbor’s lot and dump them.

Directly ahead I see a huge maple tree that twists its way onto the riverbank. If I turn slightly, I see a satellite antennae that “brings in good reception” according to Mr Williams. I’m thinking it is an eyesore and will probably go away soon. Beside it is a bird feeder – an interesting touch since birds of prey live on the hill behind me. It seems wrong to invite little songbirds over for food and then have them carried away by a hawk. I’ll consider providing some bird food. Maybe suet. A small (downy?) woodpecker taps at the tree in front of me. A wren checked out a nest filled birdhouse dangling from the porch.

When I look right, I see a “river chair” built by Mr Williams deceased son. I felt inclined to respect that chair/gazebo structure…. But Mr Williams did not feel very respectful when he sold us this place with all the waterlines busted (he had failed to turn off the water during the winter). So it seems as though the slightly odd gazebo chair is not going to make it. It’s messing with my line of vision. I’ll look for another location. Occassionally I’ll hear traffic in the distance. But mostly it’s bird squawks and a bit of river gurgle.

Beyonce sits at my feet. She, too, is watching birds. She’s on the lookout for Canadian geese. Personally, I think I’ll encourage her to move them along. NOISY SOBs.