Real-life (non-running) drama

Right now, in my backyard, a life and death struggle is going on (and it has nothing to do with running).

The night before we left for our trip, Hubby and I heard a commotion outside. There was screeching and squawking.

We looked out to see a baby blue jay on the ground beside our door. A feral cat was closing in for a kill. In an attempt to save their baby, Mama and Papa Jay were dive-bombing the feline. (Jays can be aggressive!)

I do not normally interfere with the forces of nature.
I believe in the circle of life.
But outdoor cats pose a serious threat to wild birds (killing as many as a million a day, nationwide), and cats are not a natural part of the ecosystem. So...

...I filled a bucket with water, and doused the cat to chase him away.

The next morning, there was no sign of the baby bird.
I figured the cat came back once he dried off.

I was mistaken.
When we returned from our trip, I found this little guy sitting under the window in our backyard.

Baby Blue Jay

Truth be told, he looks horrible. He definitely suffered cat scratches and lost some feathers.
Last night I was sure birdie was a goner.

But throughout the day today, Mama Jay and Papa Jay have taken turns flying down to feed him.

Maybe he'll make it after all?
If he doesn't make it, Mama Jay and Papa Jay certainly tried their hardest.
You can't ask for more than that.

PS - I am a cat lover. But that means I keep Peanut indoors. It's safer for her. Safer for the birds. Everyone is happy.

What's your take on wildlife: Leave well enough alone? Save the cute animals? Protect every creature?

Unapologetic

I suppose I could have been a "good" runner and gone easy on the beer and fried food at Jazzfest.

I could have been a "good" runner and set an early alarm clock for a long run one morning.

I could have been a "good" runner and taken tips from Runner's World on proper hydration. Spending hours on your feet in the hot sun and humidity should not be taken lightly, after all. Just ask the Boston Athletic Association. Maybe Jazzfest will be the next event to offer deferrals for hot weather?

(What? Too soon?)

All kidding aside, I could have been a "good" runner, but chose debauchery instead.

And it was good.

I slept in late. Ate huge breakfasts. Danced with strangers until I was drenched in sweat. "Rehydrated" with frozen cocktails. Lunched on spicy, greasy, delicious festival food and washed that down with plenty of cold beer.

Just a small sampling of the festival food offerings...

I ate convenience-store fried chicken for dinner while standing on a street corner. Stayed out late in a smoky cigar bar. Skipped workouts in favor of "saving my energy" for walking from stage to stage.

Brother's fried chicken - one of my all-time favorites.

I am unapologetic about all of it.

Tomorrow I'll be back to whole grains, fresh vegetables, and running.

In the meantime, I'm going to savor the last few hours of vacation. While it might not have been great for my waistline (or my liver), the past five days were good for my soul.

Do you keep up your fitness routine at all times, or do you take an occasional vacation from your healthy habits?