Smoke Signals
Blessed are the days that require neither heat nor air conditioning. While that beatitude may not be in the Bible, it certainly offers relief on the monthly utility bill.
The pleasant autumn weather made for fine afternoons on the front porch, and on Saturday, I sat in the side yard watching as my nephew and one of my workers cleared out another shed. It is the final shed to be sorted before we turn our attention to the garage. Being the largest building of the bunch, and while I have an idea of some of what is stored inside, it will be fascinating to discover what other treasures Doug stashed away over the years.
Discovering a 3-foot snakeskin inside the shed was less than comforting, especially knowing that whichever creature left it behind has only grown larger since shedding. It makes me wonder just how safe I was during past trips into the structure. Hopefully, it belongs to a king snake that has already settled in for winter hibernation.
Halloween is nearly upon us, bringing a full slate of activities for children around the Byhalia area.
Jamie Garner, known locally for Cars and Coffee, will host a Trunk or Treat on Brunswick from 6 to 8 p.m. Another Trunk or Treat is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. In the parking area behind The Flame of Byhalia. In addition, numerous local households and area businesses will hand out candy and festive treats.
Parents are urged to remind young trick-or-treaters to practice safety and respect as they travel neighborhood routes on Halloween evening. Having sat outside Byhalia Nutrition handing out treats over the past several years, seeing the children and visiting with families has always been a highlight. However, pedestrian safety remains critical; in previous years, youngsters crossed Highway 309 to reach Church Street with little regard for ongoing vehicle traffic traveling along both corridors.
Looking ahead, Nov. 3 marks another Election Day across our nation, with voters deciding key local and national contests. While I would never tell anyone how to mark their ballot, casting an informed vote remains both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility. Take the time to research the issues, head to the ballot box, and support the candidates of your choice.
For those who cast their ballots in Victoria, I look forward to seeing you at the precinct. Rest assured, local poll workers undergo thorough preparation and training to protect the integrity of every ballot cast.
As rapid development and industrial progress claim expanding tracts of native timber and pastureland, the displaced wildlife must find shelter elsewhere. Sightings of red-tailed hawks continue to rise across the area, leading me to keep a watchful eye on our small dog whenever he steps outside. Following an incident in which a hawk seized him before he miraculously broke free—an ordeal that led to more than $5,000 in veterinary care—close supervision is mandatory. Beyond the staggering financial cost, the thought of what could have occurred had the raptor carried him off is terrifying.
Hopefully, the hawks will satisfy their appetites with the local surplus of field mice, rats, and snakes. Nightfall brings the calls of other wild creatures roaming the tree lines—animals no one would care to encounter face-to-face. While our family property no longer carries cattle, having young calves in the pasture today would certainly prompt concern. It brings to mind childhood afternoons when my cousin and I could roam the pastures and timber for hours on end, without a worry in the world beyond watching where we stepped for snakes.
I would love to report your news. You can reach me at 901 246-8843 by call or text or at jchwagg@gmail.com.