click on photos to enlarge
It's morning and things are shaping up to provide a beautiful day. My kids needed to get out of the yard so we headed to the meadows and woods. It's a holiday and already at 10:00AM I can hear the jet skis and ski boats ripping up and down the lake. No fisherman in his right mind would deal with all those boats. It's not the boats one has to worry about. It's the enormous wakes caused by their passing. Those wakes can create waves that will sink a small craft and certainly a canoe.
If I can I'll upload a small video clip of my little Gheenoe being rocked by the wake of a passing ski boat from yesterdays ride down the Tennessee River:
While we're watching the Gheenoe rock around; how about a little ride on the Tennessee River. Below:
The sun is bright and a zephyr is fanning the tall grass. The temperature is pleasant and the dogs are in heaven.
The movement of the foliage is barely perceptible. But it's evident that change is in the air. The shortened days and cooler evenings combined with lighter tints of green on the leaves indicate that a new season is approaching.
I am looking forward to it. The forests and lakes will be permeated with dazzling color and the wilderness will come alive with new sounds.
Birds will gather by species and launch into their migration itineraries.
Amphibians will disappear into their mud sanctuaries and the reptiles into their dens and caves in preparation for the hard times of Winter.
Like Spring, Fall instigates animal activity.
Whether migration, food gathering or preparation for hibernation; the forests and lakes will be alive with activity.
I hope to be there to photograph the festivities.
Nature has provided this bounty for each of us to enjoy. Take advantage of the privilege. It may not last as long as one might think.
Remember to not only look but make time to see. And, treat what you see with respect.
FOR THOSE WHO CAN NOT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
THEY ALL CAME FROM SOMEWHERE, EVERYWHERE;
THEIR STORIES GO UNTOLD.
CASTAWAYS AND MISFITS ALL;
BORN, BOUGHT, TRADED OR SOLD.
THEY CAN NOT SPEAK TO TELL THEIR TALES,
OR ASK FOR SPECIAL FARE.
THEY'RE IN MY KEEPING ONE AND ALL.
AND RECEIVE MY PERSONAL CARE.
WHEN I AM TROUBLED BY THE WORLD,
AND BRIGHT DAYS TURN TO GRAY;
I WATCH THEIR FACES; THEIR CONSTANT SMILES;
AND IT KEEPS THE WOLVES AT BAY.
THE TURMOIL ALL OF YOU HAVE SEEN,
MAKE MY WORRIES AND CARES SEEM SMALL.
FOR YOU HAVE FOUND THE FORTITUDE
TO OVERCOME IT ALL.
I LEARN FROM YOU MY TRUSTED FRIENDS,
AND EMPATHIZE YOUR PLIGHT.
I'LL TAKE YOUR PART AND SPEAK FOR YOU
AND MAKE EVERYTHING ALRIGHT.
EACH OF YOU ARE IN MY CARE.
I OWN YOU NOT; YOU'RE FREE.
YOU CAN NOT SPEAK OR VOICE YOUR THOUGHTS
BUT, I KNOW YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS.
AND WHEN WE PART AS I KNOW WE MUST;
I'LL MISS YOU EACH AND EVERY ONE.
AND I'LL THANK YOU FOR THE TIMES WHEN YOU
FILLED MY GRAY DAYS UP WITH SUN.
Please show them kindness
