Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Panic Button

 

The leaves are turning colors.  Overnight lows are close to the freezing mark, and people and animals are reaching for the panic button.

First, the people.  It's tough to find a road that isn't under construction.  The season is coming to an end.  Now, the rush is on to get things paved and cemented before the flakes start to fly.  It makes simple travels around town a major headache.  Yes, I realize it has to be done.

Now, the animals.  The squirrels have made a mess of the chestnut tree in my yard.  They're grabbing the nuts before they fall, leaving a lot of chewed up tree parts in their wake.  I hasten to add a messy yard is a small price to pay for fat and happy squirrels as winter approaches.

And then, there are the deer.  They are not an uncommon sight in my neighborhood.  It seems appearances are more frequent these days.  Yes, they can be a major nuisance, especially to gardeners.  On the other hand, they are lovely creatures, especially the does, with their big eyes and huge ears.

Skunks and raccoons are pretty much a constant presence, and I'm okay with that.  They're cute.  An occasionally torn apart garbage bag isn't that a big of a deal.

It's all signs of the inevitable.  Winter is on the way.