Peering Thru The Rails

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Do you ever catch yourself peering out of a window (or in this case through wood railings) simply taking-in the scenery laid before you? That is what Carson does quite often, although I believe his real intent is on locating a resident squirrel or two…or three. We have more squirrels per square foot than prey to hunt them. They breed like rabbits, and create a nuisance. However, I do thoroughly enjoy watching the little ones play as they run, jump, twirl around tree trunks and fly from branch to branch.

Carson, our West Highland Terrier, is getting older. Just like me. He still alights from the deck like a crazy canine, but he is slowing a bit. This begs mentioning the blown knees he has endured-of which one had total reconstructive surgery. He is now a Platinum dog, if you catch my meaning. I, too, have had my share of setbacks which is not unusual for humans getting older.

For the young who may read this post, I was once young and agile, and oh…so daring. I won’t even talk about the stupid, but bravado acts I used to do when I was more virile. However, the spark is not gone: not by any means. It has flickered, though, for the past few years. Too many deaths, poor health issues, and negative job situations eventually take their toll. Besides, age coupled with experience changes us all. If young, you will found out. If older, you know what I am talking about.

Some people learn and grow, in spite of their personal issues, while some never seem to learn. These type of folk frustrate me the most…those who keep on doing stupid stuff that should have been mothballed twenty years ago or more. I can do nothing more than hope and pray that something (like a rock falling on their head) awakens them!

Today, we end the month on my beloved wife’s birthday. No man should ever be so lucky as I am. Not only did I wed the princess of my dreams, but have managed to hang onto to her for, oh, so long. I don’t deserve such a blessing. Should you ever find yourself wondering if endearing yourself to a mate for the duration of your life is worth it…just ask me and I will talk all night as to why it is so.

Falling for Color

 

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Autumn in the Midwest may not be as awe-inspiring as the hardwoods of New England or the Aspens of Colorado, but she has her moments here. Rather than grand vistas of hills covered with trees bursting with color, our foliage is a bit more subdued, but beautiful, nevertheless. Case in point is this simple Bradford Pear tree. The leaves are not complex, yet they produce complex colors, unlike the stately maples which positively reek with the same vibrant color all at once. And, the maple leaf is a legend-the symbol of our neighbor to the north.

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Same tree, but different colored leaves. Like a Dr. Suess book, this pear tree has red leaves and green ones, yellow leaves and red ones, orange and speckled, too! One tree, but with a variety of colored splendor. Don’t you wish the world had a bit more color and less grays? I do.