New Alarm Clock

tap tap tap ...pause.... tap tap tap

This is what I wake up to in the mornings now.  It started this past weekend.  The sun wasn't peaking over the top of our mountain yet and it was just starting to get grey outside.  It was far too early to get up. 

tap tap tap

The sound was insistent.  It was coming from the direction of the patio outside our bedroom french doors.  I opened one eye and peered out the glass door.  At first, I didn't see anything.

tap tap tap

It was a plump female house sparrow perched on the french door handle, tapping on the window with her beak.  She tapped three times, then turned around on the handle - doing a 360 like a gymnist on the balance beam - and tapped some more.  After a few minutes, she flew off.

A few minutes later, she returned.

tap tap tap

The first morning, I burst out laughing when I saw her.  That shocked Brett awake.  I resemble an old arthritic sloth in the mornings.  I do not talk.  Maybe grunt.  I certainly do not laugh. 

I think she's building a nest in the eaves right outside the door.  I just wish she didn't get up so early in the morning -- or insist that I do.