I was chatting with Hannah in the kitchen late this afternoon when she interrupted me, exclaiming, “Mom! Mom! Mom! OWL!”

It took me a moment to spot her, but there she was, perched on the clothesline post. We snapped some pictures with our phones, and then I searched for my camera with the zoom lens.

With my heart racing, I quietly tiptoed out the front door, hoping to capture better pics. I kept my distance, knowing that getting too close could scare her away. Surprisingly, the owl seemed unfazed, intently focused on the ground below.

I say it every day: I love where I live. We never know who might visit our home. Whether it’s a stunning barred owl or another remarkable creature, each encounter serves as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us.

What a delightful way to end my day.