Junior & The Owl

Late one afternoon, as the clouds begin to bathe the garden in shadow and a breeze from the South-East gathers momentum. Junior mimics the shrill of a bugle, calling his soldiers to abort their mission; to seize control of the multi-turreted castle, standing proudly in the centre of the sand-pit.1

It was time for the little general to break for supper, though few on the front-line ever enjoyed such a meal as he was about to receive.2

Lynda has always fussed over her special boy, yet had outdone herself tonight. Junior could barely believe his eyes at the dishes that adorned the table. There was an oval plate with fresh slices of roast beef and another was filled with roasted pumpkin, onion and potato. 3

In one bowl there were minted peas and honeyed carrots filled a second bowl, there was also a little boat that held home-made gravy. In the middle of the table, between some candles and a pitcher of juice, was a fresh loaf of corn-bread and the butter dish. Despite all of this what caught Junior's attention the most was the plume of steam, rising from a rhubarb and apple pie that had been liberated from the oven just a few moments ago.4

The following morning, Lynda woke Junior early, she had the day off work and felt like going for a drive. Junior very much enjoyed helping his mom make sandwiches and pack them into the picnic basket. It wasn't long before they were in the car, minds as wide open as the road itself, once the skyline of Dallas had faded into the background.5

After a couple of hours heading East, Junior began to grow tired of playing "I Spy" and "Count The Red Cars". Finally, a few moments later, Lynda drove through the gates of a country homestead. They'd arrived at a working farm that practically doubled as a petting zoo. Junior was suddenly particularly keen to meet the baby goats whom had crowded the car begging for carrots.6

Lynda and Junior ate their picnic lunch before setting off to explore the rest of the farm. Junior smiled as he watched some pigs rolling in the mud and said "they're going to get in big trouble from their mom" with a slight giggle. Then there was the sound of a Kelpie barking, it was time for milking the cattle. Junior couldn't help but clap his hands with excitement as the farmer herded the cows onto the platforms for the milking machine.7

After that Junior spotted some chickens and quickly wore himself out chasing them around the yard. Following one of them into the barn, he saw hay bales in giant stacks, piled higher than he could ever dream to reach. It was at that moment he saw the greyish white fur belonging to a barn owl. He wasn't sure if it was the large eyes or the slow yet imposing demeanor of the owl that intrigued him so, but he found himself completely mesmerised.8

Lynda wandered over to Junior as he emerged from the barn and knew by the touch of his mom's hand on his shoulder that it was time to head for home. Another long and wonderful day had drawn to a close as they passed back into the city limits just as the sun was setting.9

A few months later, Junior woke on the morning of his birthday. As Lynda led him into the back yard, Junior was so surprised, words could not adequately describe his expression. For there inside a purpose built aviary, was a barn owl of his very own.