Category: Uncategorized

I can’t believe it happened!

The clues are all there, beginning with three cars pulled to the shoulder. One glance and an experienced driver could recite the events.

The lead car wears a marred rear bumper. The second vehicle received the worst of it, a mashed in grill and wrinkled hood. The third auto blinks the red and blue lights of a police sedan.

Insurance information recorded, accident report form filled in, the drivers and passengers wait to resume their weekday. The officer distributes the papers, exchanges a few words and the first car drives away. The second car pulls out slowly, pulls the patrol car along by an invisible string to the first driveway and roomy parking lot.

My teacher, boss, spouse – won’t believe why I’m late this morning.

The morning air is fresh washed from rain during the dark hours.

The shower is over now, the sky clearing, clouds drifting east and out of sight. It makes for a fine walk, in this mild, late summer air with the dust removed. Plants lift leaves high after their welcome drink and grass sparkles with lingering drops. Robins probe for worms and squirrels bound across the lawns. Are they seeking a friend for a game of tag?

I nod and exchange greetings with other walkers. My route is almost complete as I head for the final length of sidewalk. A quick duck of my head under a young tree reaching over the cement is in order.

Whoosh!!!

Mr. Squirrel leaps to the springing branch, shakes the leaves and their remaining water on top of my head and to the ground before he darts back to the trunk to climb higher.

Dependable.

Each morning on my walk I see them. One by the bank. A pair over the shopping center. Another pair in front of the church.

It would be easy to take them for granted. Or think of them only in their usefulness in reflecting the strength and direction of the wind. Would that be wise? No, these are not just bright colored banners.

Our nation’s symbol should remind us, if even for only a moment, of who we are and where we are. Others have gone before us. Some at great sacrifice to serve this flag of ours. More are to come. Let us hold it high, out of the grime of petty disagreements, and give honor where due.

Rain or shine. Wind or calm.

Dependable.

Three white, rectangular structures house them. A sharp-eyed passenger on the busy street can see the neat row, almost under the trees.

They prefer to work in anonymity. It’s safer that way for few humans understand or appreciate the important function they perform.

Spring days lengthen. Gardens are planted and trees, ornamental, fruit and nut blossom. One after another they travel between home and garden, seeking sweet nectar.

Summer days become long and hot. Back and forth they move finding bright flowers or eager vegetables to crawl across one after the other.

Fall is coming. Fly now. Seek the last bloom. Store honey for the human caregiver and the cold, blossom bare winter.

Almost ready!

Traffic rolls past, observing the speed limit, but not the pair of trees behind an ordinary white fence.

The walkers on the wide shoulder know better. They have been checking, watching, and waiting. Blossoms came first, in the early warm days of spring. Was the wind right? Were the bees down the road out and working? Suddenly the white vanished, to be replaced by tiny green leaves, growing quick between the seasonal storms. Ahhh. There they are. A few? No, more. This might be a good year. Patience. It’s hot now. Where did the rain go?

Now, branches dip with heavy fruit. A few drop with a soft “thump” in the wind.

Wash the canning jars!

Pears are almost ready.

Thief: one who steals – to take and carry away without permission (Merriam-Webster)

He looks both ways, checks for enemies and interference.

Thanks to a compassionate human, his target has continued to mature during the recent hot, dry spell. It’s almost ripe enough for that aforementioned human, but our thief has a different agenda.

With a graceful leap he springs to the wooden fence, clings but a moment and transfers to a wire support. He almost vanishes into the tall, thick plant. Cautious now, he looks around, pauses as if to savor the moment.

He leans forward. Snip!

The rosy tomato falls to the ground. He drops next to it. Snatches it up in his rodent mouth and dashes away for a squirrel breakfast.