Meet Oscar….

Meet Oscar

A 4 1/2 foot tall blue heron who celebrates each morning in the same way…

For the second year running, one of our yoginis went to Florida to visit her cousin and returned with tales about Oscar. And each year I spent a week thereafter talking about Oscar in our various classes. And today, I introduce Oscar to our greater community. Note: If Oscar’s benefactors / breakfast partners come across this post they are cordially invited to add details, sharpen descriptions, and clear-up any hazy points. 

First off, here is Oscar:

Oscar has become a bit of a mainstay in this Florida community. For the past 8 years, everyday he meets his breakfast partner on the dock for his repast: one fish caught from the lake. But if his partner is running a tad late, or is a touch delayed, then Oscar leaves the dock and ventures up his partner’s walkway and stands at the front door peering inside the house. If he is not satisfied, he will circle around to the back of the house and check the backdoor. Eventually the two of them stroll to the dock together and the man drops his line into the lake. With Oscar by his side, within a short time, he catches a fish a tosses it Oscar’s way who takes delight in his breakfast. Thereafter they part ways for the day only to meet up again 24 hours later.

Oscar is part of the local wildlife and he still does fine on his own. He can sometimes be spotted along the outskirts of the lake or in the brush. He has a very busy schedule but regardless he always arrives at the same time each morning for his breakfast. You see, although Oscar enjoys his company at breakfast but he should not be thought of as a hapless or innocent bystander. One time while watching the line in the lake, Oscar noticed that a fish had been caught only to then slip away. At that point, Oscar took matters into his own hands, er wings, and promptly dove into the lake and snared the fish. So he does know how to do it. Just he enjoys hanging out on the dock each morning with his breakfast mate. That has been the scene the last eight years.

So when his breakfast partner left Florida’s heat this past summer and sought respite in the hills of Pennsylvania for 2 1/2 months, the thought arose that perhaps that would be the end. Alas, on his return, within a short time he and Oscar were back at it each morning. Oscar knows well that a mere couple-a-months away is not enough to dampen a well-forged friendship. So when you are down in Florida, give Oscar a call, and perhaps you too will be able to join in for stroll out to the dock for the morning’s meal…