Pandemic Road: Weather and Valentine Skeletons

It is that time of year again. Think of hearts and loved ones. And skeletons. I don’t know how you celebrate Valentines Day in your household, but in my home all of the skeletons get together to dress up for the occasion. While the original plan included letting them sit on the balcony and enjoy all of the love vibes in the air, the temperatures have dropped below the chilly range.

Just like last February, an arctic blast is blowing its way through the Lone Star State. However, where last year the state of Texas almost lost its entire Power Grid, this year it’s not supposed to be quite that bad. The Governor has been on the television assuring us that if anyone has lost power at this point, it is the fault of a squirrel sitting on a branch that is hitting a frozen power line and you should contact your power supplier immediately. The power line will be fixed and the squirrel will be apprehended. I feel safer all ready.

Earlier this week, I was driving around and finally noticed several trees that had some fall colors in their leaves. For those of you who don’t live here in Texas, this is noteworthy, because we don’t generally see fall colors on trees until January or February. The last of the leaves fall off just in time for the first buds to pop out in the spring.

The pretty fall colors almost make me want to celebrate Halloween all over again, but almost anything makes me want to celebrate Halloween. So back to my love-minded skeletons. They have other decorations that they want to use to decorate the balcony, but that will have to wait until our winter weather is over. Winter should take about 2 to 3 days.

In the meantime there is peace and harmony in my household. All skeletons remained decorated in their “love” costumes and are warm by cuddling up in the recliner. Hannah, the cat, would get upset about one of her spots being taken over, but she is too comfy sitting on the nice blanket covering the ottoman. I think that means I get to spread out on the couch.

Good times.

Until next time.…..

Pandemic Road: Weeks 13 &14

My, my! It’s been a busy two weeks! Here is a picture of my cat, Hannah, giving me her editorial opinion of humans. No, she is not upset about the global pandemic. Nor is she upset about all of the national protests. So what is my most adorable feline upset about? Leaf Blowers. Yes, dear reader, you read that correctly. Leaf Blowers. They are noisy and obnoxious and everywhere. I have to agree with Hannah that I notice more and more of them every year. When was the last time you saw anyone using a rake? Do they even sell them in Houston anymore?

I can remember the time a few years ago when I thought I was at a retreat center in Montgomery County in the middle of nowhere. I was sitting outside admiring the trees and even saw some deer walking and frolicking around. Then I heard it. The leaf blower. Apparently the wilderness had eluded me once again. Even the deer had grown accustomed to the sound.

Now they surround me. When I walk around my neighborhood, when I visit a grocery store. They are always there:

What will I make of all this? When they disturb me in my home, my opinion is much like Hannah’s. However, I appreciate the sentiment that one is taking care to make the landscape look nice. I am a city-dweller at heart. I usually only walk on leaves when I am at the park or the arboretum. Of course when it is October and I am reminded that Halloween is close and the yearly hurricane season is over, that is a special joy.

When I google “leaf blowers” I find out that they are useful because they are speedy and versatile. In some parts of the country they are even used to blow away snow. I have never seen them used to blow away snow here in Houston.

At the end of the day, I have dinner out on my balcony. It is shady and usually there is a breeze. All of the leaf blowers have retired for the day. It is quiet enough that even the lizards come out for a visit. He stays long enough to discuss the state of things in the world. He wishes all of us humans peace and understanding.

Until next week.….