Bluebird of Happiness

A bluebird perched on the balcony rail this morning while I was drinking my tea, grateful that I was indoors.  The weather has suddenly turned normal for December in Michigan - that would be nasty cold with freezing rain starting at noon.  After our weirdly warm and green Christmas, I'm not ready for this.  But the bluebird was beautiful, and he knew it.  He turned around in a circle on the rail so I could admire him from all directions, before flying off.  His spot was quickly taken by several woodpeckers of various types, who began pecking up and down the black walnut next to the balcony. I have spent the whole day being grateful for that bluebird... because I'm sure not grateful for the weather!