Sad Day At The Swan Nest In The City

There were torrential rains and wind.

The swan nest was flooded and broke up. I did not take my real camera out because of the rain.

The steadfast guard duck was still there when I went early in the morning to see.

The river had risen and everything floated away. The mallard was waiting for the swans where the nest had been.
It was tragic.  For me, anyway.  I held it together, being informed about flooding being the major cause of swan nest failure.
When I was listening to the storm at home in the night I feared the worst.
But the duck waiting there did me in.  I cried in the morning rain.

I have walked down the river since, looking to see if any of the eggs were trapped in the debris from the storm.  None.
I was more sad for the people near and far who were watching the swan nest, and waiting in happy anticipation for the hatchlings.
It is so sweet when strangers can gather in cheerful hope and expectancy.
We will not have baby swans here this year.

Spring will come again next year, just as sure as the sun comes up every morning.
♥ Chloe

The Steadfast Mallard Duck, On Duty at the Swan Nest

He has assigned himself the job of watching over the Swan nest.  He is always there.
His mate is there also, often just out of the picture.
His work comes first, she knew that when she got involved with him.

See him on the board?  The swans can rest while he is watching.
He chases the interlopers away.  Who did they think they were?

A brave and loyal and noble duck.  Handsome, too.

Everyone is waiting for the swan babies to hatch now.
It won't be for a few of weeks.
We can wait easier knowing the duck is on duty.
Here is a whole set of pictures of the Swan nest in the city http://www.flickr.com/photos/chloe-and-ivan/sets/72157629250352920/ ♥Chloe

Checking on our Swan Mother in the evening

All seemed well.  The Father Swan was not around tonight, but the friendly duck couple was there with her.
I had walked in a different way to take pictures.
I found this on the ground near the river

Is it a Killdeer eggshell?

The Mother Swan nestled in for the night.
Do you see the ducks in the water nearby?    
Goodnight, Swan.  ♥Chloe

Swan eggs in the city

The swan mother carefully tucked in her eggs.
She had gotten up to groom herself and stretch her legs.

Beautiful Easter eggs in the swan nest.
This swan lives in the city.  There is duct tape and styrofoam and plastic litter in her nest.

While the Mother swan was taking a break, the Father swan guarded the eggs.
A Father duck was helping guard the eggs, too.  The Mallard and his mate are there all the time.

The Mother Swan settled herself back on the nest and put her beak under her wing.   She had counted her eggs, and made sure that each one was covered. The Father Swan watched over her from the river nearby.

The Father Swan swimming near the nest in the evening.
Good night, Swans.  ♥Chloe

In Seven Stars this morning for Lemon Cake.

In Seven Stars this morning for Lemon Cake., a photo by chloe & ivan on Flickr.

This was so good.

Burnside Park no longer Occupied. Jan 30, 2012

Burnside Park no longer Occupied. Jan 30, 2012, a photo by chloe & ivan on Flickr.

They have moved inside. I am grateful about this.  Now they can continue warm and dry.
Providence is still Occupied, just inside.

Family Protest Portrait

Three generations of McLoughlin women protesting together with Occupy Providence.

Providence, Rhode Island

January 28, 2012

Occupy Providence, January 28.

More than 100 days now, and moving inside for the Winter. Sunday they are breaking down the camp for the move inside. Saturday there was a march through the city, and a celebration.

People started to get ready for the march. It was a festive day, with face paint and some silly clothes.

The guy in the wheelchair is one of the people I have been concerned about in my campaign for them to move inside for Winter.  I am relieved that this is happening.

Of course there were drums. 

Power for the people arrived in a wagon. Marine and RV batteries.

She had stickers and feathers and markers for everyone to get festive.

She was also occupying a big toy rat.

One of the tents in the camp.  The tents are coming down on Sunday.

Part of today's celebration was an Artolution, with canvases up with paint for anyone to use.

Occupy PVD on the move

As the group took over some of the street, the police went by.

That's all, drove by. 

The city of Providence has acted in the true spirit of Roger Williams in how the authorities have accommodated and negotiated with our Occupiers.

There are more pictures from today over here http://www.flickr.com/photos/chloe-and-ivan/

Marcus and Tilly Occupied the fence in the park during the evening commute. It was cold out, and a storm was coming. They brought hot coffee in the thermos. They had natural fur coats to keep warm.

  a photo by chloe & ivan on Flickr.

They stuck around for a while to talk to anyone who had questions.
The city was generally in agreement and supportive of two mice out in the frigid night.
The mice were encouraged by the response.
Marcus was aware that there might be professional repercussions.

What do you mean, housing is a human right?

What do you mean, housing is a human right?, a photo by chloe & ivan on Flickr.

What do you mean, housing is a human right?
Marcus had never seen Tilly so agitated.

They lived in a cigar box.

They did not complain, complaining spoils a lot of days.
They both worked hard to pay for the cigar box.

"Am I not a mammal and a brother, too?"

The original quote, carved into a Wedgwood medallion, became one of the first social campaign slogans.
It helped gain support for the Abolitionist movement in the United States and abroad.
The slogan and many versions of the kneeling figure was printed on scarves and ribbons, struck into medals,
fired onto ceramics and reprinted in many publications of the time.
It was an effective campaign, winning many hearts and minds to the just cause.

http://www.librarycompany.org/artifacts/images/Struck%20into%20Metal/Anti-slavery%20medallion.jpg



Our Occupiers have many causes. 
I want them to Occupy somewhere inside so none of them freeze to death.  
Stay warm!   Chloe

Working my way through the dollar menu.

Working my way through the dollar menu., a photo by chloe & ivan on Flickr.
This has been excessive fun - there is a new Bar Louie in Providence, they are having a big promotion of a martini and a small plate for a dollar. One dollar.


Here is a closeup of olives.  Could just have olives and Blue Cheese for dinner.

 

Four burger sliders with spicy cheese and bacon and onion straws, with a Louie Cosmo, one dollar.



Chicken nachos with a Dirty Martini with 3 olives stuffed with Blue Cheese, one dollar.



Maetballs with sauce and cheese and crispy Parmesan garlic toasts and another martini, one dollar.

It ends on Wednesday, and then I will have to be walking 5 miles a day to make up for this!
But not before having one of the big Tuesday dollar burgers and a few more Martinis. 
Yay for Bar Louie this week!




Meanwhile, outside in our city

It's on.

But my son's wedding is the priority this week.

Here is a pic of the sculpture when it is not being used
as a flagpole or a bulletin board

I love this sculpture.

This is a monumental tribute to a mediocre General.

A lot of people liked him, but he was not a good General.
General Burnside was also Governor of Rhode Island,
and built a very original house on Benefit Street.
Have to go get a picture.