It’s that time of year, the time when warm breezes switch to
cooler, or in some cases, much colder winds. I don’t live in the north where
brilliant colors on hillsides tell everyone that autumn is here, but even in
the South we have little indicators that winter is on its way.
As I walked up our stairs with the morning newspaper, I
caught a motion in the bayou. (Yes, I still like to read the news in paper form.
Hubby reads online.) I stopped and watched as a small duck bobbed on the water,
ducked under momentarily, then popped up close-by. I don’t know the real name
of these little ducks, but they appear every year about this time and spend the
cold months on our bayou. I called them “Mama’s ducks” because my mother used
to sit in the sun room keeping track of what they were doing. They gave her
hours of pleasure. Mom is no longer with us, but when I see her ducks, I can smile
and remember how she loved them and the joy she had watching them.
This morning there was only one little fellow on the water,
but as the week goes on, there will be a few more. I don’t know where they
spend the summer, but I’m thrilled they choose my little corner of the world to
get through the winter.
In the last Classic and Cozy Blog, Deborah Nolan wrote about
Bucket Lists. My bucket list includes a trip up north to see the changing
leaves, but whether or not I actually get to see the brilliant changes on the
northern hillsides, I can at least know my year is changing with the appearance
of my little ducks. The ducks may not be as spectacular as the changing of the
leaves, but for me they give me a warm feeling throughout the cold winter.
What tells you that your year is moving on? Do you wake up
one morning and suddenly feel the frigid air around you or even a sprinkling of
snowflakes? Do you step outside and see the hint of a color change in the trees.
Mother Nature can give us tragedies in the form of tornadoes and hurricanes,
but she can also provide us with little things that make our days brighter.
Winter is coming so step outside and see what you can find
that puts a smile on your face.
FRAN MCNABB lives on the Gulf Coast and uses this setting in many of her novels and blogs. She writes sweet romances and presently has nine available. A SOLDIER'S HONOR is her latest. Visit her at www.FranMcNabb.com or at mcnabbf@bellsouth.net
Fran, I love that one of the indicators of changing season is the appearance of Your "Mama's ducks". I've always lived where the leaves change color, but never get tired of seeing it happen. I love the shows that Mother Nature stages, even find it exciting when she rears her head and reminds us who's boss (though, of course, I don't want to see anyone hurt, either physically or by having their homes destroyed).
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sany. One day I'll see the changing leaves as well - maybe!
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