Night owls and early birds

I love springtime here in the South. The flowers are out, the days are longer, and the weather is warm enough to forgo the jacket yet cool enough to enjoy being outdoors. Well, it's a bit warm this spring, but still better than I'm sure it'll be this summer.

And when the weather is pleasant like it has been, it means we can open our windows at night. In California we used to sleep with the windows open almost every night of the year, but not here. It's usually too warm or too cold for that, so I love these few weeks where I can indulge in fresh air all night long.

Of course, when the window is open, we hear everything going on outside. And I'm not sure if I've mentioned previously, but we have a lot of birds around. Normally I enjoy watching them peck for worms and strawberries early in the morning, and hearing them singing from the trees during the day. But now with the windows open at night, I've discovered that one of our lovely songbirds likes to stay up way past her bedtime (and mine).

Many times this week and last, I've woken up in the middle of the night and can hear a bird singing along in the darkness. So after several nights of this, I finally did some research. Apparently there are 3 birds who sing at night - the whippoorwill, the nightingale, and the mockingbird.

Playing catch in the backyard
with Great Grandma Bernie

So, I believe that we have a mockingbird. I'm not entirely sure, but have ruled out the whippoorwill due to its distinct call. I'd love to think that we have a nightingale - how cool would that be - but it's probably more likely that we have a mockingbird instead. Thankfully I don't find the song annoying like most reports describe it (nor do I find it gorgeous and moving like they describe the nightingale song).

I may never know. But the pleasantly cool nights won't last for long. Pretty soon the weather will be too warm to keep the windows open at night, and then it won't matter who our nighttime feathered friend is. Until then, I will just enjoy the lullaby whenever I am awake to hear it.

And as the weather is really heating up, I've been trying creative dinners that have low oven usage in attempts to keep the house cooler. Last night I made my own recreation of the Santa Barbara Brewing Company blackened salmon salad. It may not have been exactly the same, but I think it came close.



Blackened Salmon Salad
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper

At the Botanical Gardens with Great Grandma Bernie

1 Tbsp paprika pepper
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp ground thyme
1/4 melted butter
2 salmon filets
feta cheese
spinach leaves
avocado, sliced and peeled
1 tomato, sliced into wedges
1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced

1. Heat a skillet on medium high heat. Mix seasonings in a small bowl. Combine tomato, cucumber, feta and spinach. Add avocado slices to top of each serving.

2. Rinse filets and pat dry. Brush with melted butter and rub with seasoning mix. Lay in skillet. Cook 2 - 5 minutes per side.

3. When done, brush top side of fish with more melted butter and put on top of salad. Dress with balsamic vinegar dressing. Enjoy!