This morning, when everyone else was sleeping, I wandered out into the living room. I figured I would make some coffee, and read on the porch. Then, the view from the porch changed my plans. There were about a dozen ibises feeding in front of our house. The light was beautiful and golden. The birds were rooting around in the periwinkle-covered grass. It was quiet and just a little otherworldly (at least for this Yankee). My camera beckoned.

I tiptoed outside and shared a moment with our ibis neighbors. It was a good start to the day.