It is a bit warmer in the last days of summer. The drought continues. People are puttering about with purpose. 2025 is on the move. 2026 is often referred to. It is just around the corner. This is the time of year we visited Maine in the last few years. Lobster was on the menu daily. Fresh Maine lobster can not be beat. Lobster in pasta is wonderful. The Taste of Maine has a giant lobster on their roof. We had a wonderful server who told us that the lobster was ‘Yum.’ Indeed, it was. As the temperature turns to fall, we will be scurrying to have Happy Vibes. Vibes that recall the many happy times we have had. We seek the input of joy. Trouble will find you. You do not have to seek it. At times, joy must be worked for.

The Woods was bright with sunshine rather than lovely, dark and deep. That comes later in the year. Mama Turkey was leading Junior across the busy road. She looked back at him and told him to hurry. He seemed to not have a care in the world. Junior was happy being with his mom. Junior had heard of Thanksgiving, but was not worried with a mom looking after him. His friends had told him tales of Turkey and oyster dressing and a warm oven. Junior knew that the stories had to be Turkish Tales. There were no ovens in the Woods, and what was oyster dressing? The simplicity of the Woods comforted him. Recently, Sally Squirrel admonished him to gather nuts for the winter. Junior watched with wonder as Sally and her husband, Sam Squirrel, worked from dawn to dusk in their nut-gathering business. They even sold Nuts by the side of the road. People in Little Egypt like nuts. They bought them by the pound. Nuts are good for the holidays. Business was booming.

Sylvester Snake asked Sally Squirrel what was so good about nuts? He had never eaten one. Sylvester saw everything at ground level. Sylvester noted that he is misunderstood. ‘I am an introvert and do not bother others,’ Sylvester said. ‘I want to come to the fall picnic on Sunday and may bring some nuts,’ Sylvester grinned with delight. ‘Susie is making pumpkin pie and potato salad,’ Sylvester noted. ‘I like hot apple cider,’ Sylvester commented. ‘Also, I enjoy apples…you may have read,’ Sylvester laughed.

‘I will be at the fall picnic, Bernie Black Bear said triumphantly. ‘My family came up from Tennessee last year,’ Bernie continued. ‘We like the Woods a lot,’ BBB said with a dance. ‘We are part of the Dancing Bears,’ BBB noted. ‘For many years we performed in the circus,’ BBB commented with pride. ‘We think that there should be more black bears in the Park,’ BBB proclaimed. ‘If you like, we will perform some of our dances at the event,’ Bernie asked. I am famous for my Irish Jig,’ BBB said as he danced on one foot and then the other. ‘Some humans do not understand us and seek our removal from the Woods,’ BBB said with sadness. ‘We Black Bears seek unity with all man and beast,’ Bernie offered. ‘We want to offer our talents and skills for the betterment of our community…we do not want to be strangers in the Woods,’ Bernie said softly.