Smoke Signals and other news
It as another beautiful fall afternoon in the country. At least it used to be the country and, in many ways, it still is. What used to be literally a dirt road with a few sprinkles of gravel where one car had to stop and pull over when meeting another car is now a well-paved heavily traveled road with more traffic in a day than was typically seen in more than a month. The trees that then intertwined overhead have been cut back or cut down. Cattle, crops, or open pastureland and woods were easily visible from the roadway, but now it’s mostly houses. Children and pets could safely play outside and roam acres without fear of being bothered by more than the local bull or maybe a disturbed snake. Now, kids and pets require a watchful adult in attendance to play in their own yards.
I sat on the porch with my own little dog today as he visited his favorite spots around the yard to ensure he wasn’t carried away by a hawk, as happened a few years back, or picked up by stranger to be used as a “bait” dog or sold for profit. The sound of rapid gunfire somewhat nearby led me to hope someone was doing some serious target practice. Many nights when I am out with him, the gunfire is so close and intense I am startled and sometimes call a neighbor to ensure they are ok. I never did get an answer or even a real investigation when someone shot through my bedroom window more than a year ago. At the time, I was encouraged to file a report being assured it would be followed up on. I did file, but there was never any follow-up.
The quiet was also shattered by a dirt bike racing at a neighbor’s. This seemed to be only a few kids out having fun on a nice afternoon. A couple of times a year at least it turns into an event complete with a hundred or more campers with generators, concession stands, porta johns, and countless dirt bikes racing, not only on the property, but on the road. Kids having a great time, yes, but also a dangerous time with kids and adults riding dirt bikes and four wheelers on a road meant for cars, with no police presence.
Saturday night I got to spend some time with the youngest great-grandson. Everyone was busy with the older boys, so I got the pleasure of holding, feeding, and playing with him most of the time we were there. He is healthy and alert, beginning to smile, and definitely lets you know when his tummy needs filling. He is adored by his two older brothers.
My parents instilled honesty in me and it took many years for me to understand not everyone holds that as a value. Remember, not everyone who smiles at you has your best interest at heart. Be careful who you trust.
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.