Smoke Signals and other news
The hummingbirds seem to have all left. The feeder will stay up a while longer just in case. They will go back up in March awaiting the arrival of the little creatures. I began feeding the hummingbirds because my dad fed them. If you knew my dad, you know he did not spend unnecessary money. One thing he did was feed those hummingbirds. I would sit on his porch with him and watch the many happy little birds feed.
Friday night, I went out to eat with my son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter at a local Mexican restaurant. The portions are always so large, I came home with enough for at least another meal. Then Sunday night I got invited for dinner at a neighbor’s house and brought home enough for at least two meals. I could get used to this.
You are probably sleeping in the middle of the night when my dog decides we must go out. Maybe where you live does not feel safe to do so, but he and I usually go outside at least twice during the night. Sometimes, I turn the porch light on, and other times I sit there in the near darkness (unless there are stars and the moon) and quietness (except for the passing trains, a passing car or the noise of the distant traffic) and just enjoy the peace. The crickets and other insects are sometimes making a bit of noise but that just adds to the peace. Maybe that’s just because I grew up a country girl. We may hear a neighbor’s dog or a coyote off in the distance and sometimes in the early hours a rooster greeting the coming day.
If the weather allows, we will finish with soccer and adult coed softball by October 30. It has been a great season for both. Overall, the coed teams have a lot of fun whether they win or lose. Many of the players have never played and it has been fun watching them improve each week. The kids always have a great time during the soccer games. They, too, have improved in their skill level as the season has progressed. Sometimes there are only a few spectators and sometimes there are many visitors. It usually goes well with most people observing the rules of the park. Come and join us with most games starting at 6:30. Leave your tobacco products, vaping, alcohol, and foul language at home. Bring your positive attitude, cheering skills, and appetites with you.
Olivia, the child I retired to keep as a newborn, turned eleven this week. Her softball themed party will be this weekend. It has been a blessing to watch her grow and discover the world while taking on life’s challenges. She does well in school, has her neighborhood group of friends, plays softball, sings in her school choir, is a young entrepreneur making bracelets to sell and is the neighborhood cat feeder when the owners are away. She loves animals. She doesn’t talk to people she doesn’t know but can chatter away for hours if she knows you. Although she lives far away now, we still have a bond developed in those early years.
I would love to report your news. Call or text me at 901-246-8843, message me on Facebook at Clair Wagg, or email me at jchwagg@gmail.com.