Before I opened my eyes this morning I…
Before I opened my eyes this morning, I knew by the sound of all the birds chirping the kind of day that I wanted. Opening my eyes and seeing all the snow that the boughs of the evergreen held, I knew my day was not going to be what I wanted or needed.
Forty nine years ago, this time of the year would have had me raking the yard with two little ones tagging behind me, messing up the piles of dead leaves I had just raked together. Jackets would have been needed as one can never trust early spring temperatures that had totally taken away the snow to allow so many shades of green to show themselves. No caps had been issued, rather kerchiefs out of Orlin’s big blue hankies so the ears would be totally covered. Two large hardwoods to the south of the area was the perfect fit for a hammock. It wasn’t the type that collapsed and would be hard to maneuver. Both ends had braces that keep the inviting area ready to plop wee ones into, complete with a snack. Today I pined for a spring such as that and the memories it evoked.
Today the sun was shining. When it was time to greet the three cats in the patio porch, the snow creaked under foot. It was a cold sunny Saturday on the second of March, 2019, with just a degree or two above zero. There had been enough additional snow flurries since late afternoon to coat the east patio. Without a second thought, I opened the slider door and went out to the patio armed with my Toro electric leaf blower. By gum . . . the cats were going to have bare concrete to get their morning exercise. Honey Bunny rolled and rolled until her silver gray fur was standing on end. Snuggles has put on enough weight over this winter, his roll was more like a “do-over.” Harriet sat in the open doorway all hunched up. Not going any farther. I spent time in the patio porch rounding up all their toys and piling them up on one spot and I hit the vacuum. Just a bit of a tidy.
At five this afternoon, I happened to glance out the bathroom window and mama deer and the two fawns were already at the treat dish on our patio and what the next door neighbor has out. The two fawns have really gotten big. I believe mama brings them early to make sure they get some of the good food. Sometimes later at night, I have tried to count . . . I loose track after seven as the shadows play tricks on my counting.
The ole cowboy called this evening, warning me they are on their way home. I know it’s about 1,600 miles from where they have spent the last week. I told him I would leave the light on! Isn’t that what Motel 6 has as their pitch line?