Hawk went to work with me at Rebecca M Arthurs Memorial Library last Thursday, and was she ever impressed with all the books. If only she could read!

Anyway, most of the librarians were wearing glasses, and Hawk kept saying maybe she could learn to read if only she could see better. Some of my co-workers just rolled their eyes, but you know what? If Hawk wants glasses, Hawk shall have glasses.

I made them with a green chenille stem AKA pipe-cleaner:

She assisted me in my computer work by watching me type and periodically asking if there was any birdseed for a snack.

Then we looked around and found some books about birds:

No, we did not find any books about ostriches. Of course, there is always inter-library loan!

Hawk says "Read and get smart!"

Nesting

The swap coordinator challenged everyone to post a picture of their Traveling Little Visitor with our state flower, tree, flag, animal, or whatever. I figured it wouldn't be too hard to find the state tree -- the eastern hemlock. Hmm...

But in the process, at the foot of a big old pine tree, Hawk spied this nest, nestled on the ground among wildflowers:

She insisted on having her picture taken among the natural PA treasures, because we need help identifying the wildflowers and the nest. Please leave a comment if you know the name of this wildflower, or what kind of bird made this nest.

Hawk says, "Hank uin vans." (Translation: Thank you in advance.)

UPDATE: A kind soul told me that this is Canada Mayflower. It's quite pretty, with its shiny leaves and delicate white blossoms. Still no word about the nest, though.

Hawk and I took a stroll around the historic downtown and got a few snapshots. She loved the Victorian style homes, but she thought the parking meters seemed a bit retro.

Her reading skills are pretty basic, so I read the info signs aloud. 

Shakespeare

Last night Hawk and I attended a production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [Revised]." Yes, it's a strangely long and odd title for a play.

Hawk was so excited, she was waiting in my purse so I wouldn't forget her:

The theater is the Marlin Opera House, built in 1883, in Historic Brookville, It's on the 2nd and 3rd stories of a downtown building. Supposedly it originally seated 900 people, but I only saw space for maybe 200. Well, they say people were smaller back then (look of puzzlement).

The patient lady in front of me allowed Hawk to pose on her shoulder:

All you can see in the picture, really, is the stage backdrop with an awesome modern painting of the Bard. NO flash photos or filming allowed during the performance.

I haven't laughed so much in quite a while. Three male actors managed to take us through who-knows-how-many of the Bard's works in just a couple of hours. A silly wig made it possible for one poor bloke to play the roles of all the female characters!

Hawk might have fallen asleep during the play. I didn't hear her laughing at all. Then again, do ostriches laugh? (second look of puzzlement)

Music Lessons

A rather busy Friday! Two music students arrived for their lessons in late morning and had a chance to meet Hawk, who helped by sitting on the music stand and flailing her wings in tempo with the songs.

You can see how proud she felt.

Now she wants her own violin! Oh dear.

Do they make a 1/16 size violin? Must find out.

Plant Sale

Friday, May 6. The local Episcopal church had a plant sale in front of C.R.E.A.T.E. Brookville's Cafe, so we checked out the offerings:

We decided on a variety of herbs for our soon-to-be expanded backyard herb garden.

More to come someday soon from the C.R.E.A.T.E. cafe! For now, Hawk says, "Grow and thrive!"

Arriving in the Wilds

Hawk the ostrich hails from Eugene, Oregon. She is in the Pennsylvania Wilds at Brookville, Pennsylvania, for her very first Traveling Little Visitor experience.

She came bearing gifts: a feather key ring and a moon-and-stars fabric ornament. For comfort while traveling, she was wrapped in a pretty piece of fabric. Doesn't she coordinate nicely with her "stuff"?

Hawk settled in quickly, meeting the natives:

Brooke the terrier mix was a bit unsure of the new friendship:

To be safe, Hawk decided on this resting spot for the time being:

Welcome to your summerhostel, Hawk!