Dick Blaisdell

I love when Dickie writes to me (and my Mom), always interesting words, creativity. When I first read this short essay, it really shocked me, the ending! So sad!
From his Email: Thursday December 23, 2021

Just sent this essay 200 words or less. Thank you Alyson for the Farmer’s Almanac where I got the idea. Won’t know until late next year if I win, $1-$300 prize. Hope you like it. 

Deadline: Jan 28,2022 Almanac.com/essay contest

"Essay Contest" The Old Farmer's Almanac

P.O. Box 520 Dublin, NH 03444

Thank you for entering The Old Farmer's Almanac essay contest! We will contact you in advance of publication if your essay is selected!

Deadline: Jan 28,2022 172 words. 

"My Most Memorable Wildlife Experience"

Corvus, the crow, caws raucously in groups instead of sing;  probably why they suffer eternal thirst.  Crows cooperate, mate for life and their eyesight and hearing is exceptional.  They circle and watch over the land.  Scouts warn danger when feeding.  Crows know the difference between a hunter with a gun and a farmer with tools. 

In the Fall I found a crow.  An arrow broke its wing.  I removed the arrow.  Placed the bird in my old guinea pig cage inside a glassed-in unheated piazza.  Cared for the crow.  Every day the wing healed, but could not fly.  A Nor'easter was expected.  Temps dipped to the teens.  I begged to bring my pet into the house or even the cellar for protection.  

"Crows are tough.  Put the dog's blanket around the cage. It won't freeze."  

I did.  After weeks of care, the crow was frozen, the beak open, gasping.  My dream of getting the crow to talk were shattered.  The ground frozen, there was no burial.