Indian Summer

Gramma, 

October eighteenth was an amazing Indian summer day in Minnesota.  Even the morning was warm enough to pull me outside early.  Rain and wind from the night before left a vast carpet of heavy, wet leaves waiting to be mowed.  Many of the trees are showing their full skeletons.  The oaks hang on longer, some till spring.  Vines crawling up the house are crimson.  Some flowers are still blooming. 

I fed the ducks, the peacocks, and the songbirds, then filled the donkey water tank.  There were a few more squash and pumpkins to pick before mowing the garden.  The dogs trailed behind as I buzzed around the yard picking up sticks, putting away yard tools and finishing the Halloween decorating.  The clowns needed to be blood-splattered with red house paint.  I fired up the lights to see if the breaker would blow. 

Bicycles, power washed by the storm, leaned against an out-building.  Some of them are outgrown and will be sent to the Goodwill.  They had collected dust in the lean-to where straw is stacked and animals hang out in a fenced section.  The floor is dirt.  Firewood was stored here until we installed a gas fireplace.  Gone are the days of cutting, splitting, and hauling into the garage and then into the house.  After we gave it up, I missed the smell of a crackling fire.  I don't miss the mess. 

The afternoon sun dried the leaves enough to mince with the tractor mower.  The litter is good fertilizer.  I mowed for hours, taking several breaks to replenish my beer.  Sun, warmth, cold beer--it is a halcyon day.  This  day sums up why I choose not to chase the almighty dollar at the expense of sheer joy.  I have "enough" and I can stretch a dollar until it screams. 

I worked at a publishing company in Minneapolis for a brief period.  The sky was just lighting up when I left in the morning.  While stuck in afternoon traffic, I couldn't wait to get home and be outside.  It seemed that as soon as I got my clothes changed, the dark slammed down.  While I enjoyed the work, the situation did not give me balance or feed my spirit. 

Life is about choices.  We are all one decision away from a whole different life.  While our financial assets may not be as healthy as some of our friends and relatives, I believe our quality of life is richer.