A cool, cloudy, rainy Thursday in August. The Old Man’s kind of day. The rain will not hurt the rhubarb. A reminder that fall is near. Peaceful and serene. A day to ponder the mysteries of life. We are mammals with souls that seek the spiritual. An interesting, complex creation. The Old Man feels at home with the animals of the Woods. Mama Turkey was taking the kids for a walk this morning. They were exercising their new beginning in a world of wonder. Their little heads darted from side to side, taking it all in. Mama said to beware of Thanksgiving, to which they produced a blank stare and a laugh. The Woods was a place of peace, a sense of place made for them. So it is for us but ofttimes forgotten.

Earth seems big but is small. We are a bit like the bar on the television show Cheers, where everybody knows your name. Fall reminds us of community. When one of us suffers, we all grieve. When one of us is happy, we all cheer! A human as an island does not work very well. We need each other like we need air. All of us have a purpose.

Me and my shadow. ‘Not a soul to tell our troubles to.’ Shadows follow us; we get a glimpse of them in the mirror. Shadows of loss and relationships. Shadows of second-guessing. Shadows of doubt.

Life is lived forward, not backward. Our compass is set. Choose the good; eschew the bad. Autumn is almost here. Hayrides and headless horsemen, Ichabod Crane. Autumn leaves and crisp nights. Good Ghosts surround us. Ghosts who mean us well and not ill.

New Orleans French Quarter is on the horizon. A spirit of joy and festivity. The Jazz Band plays at the Hotel Montelone while the old man’s family enjoys a drink at the Carousel Bar. Deep thoughts of purpose, presence and place. We are here a moment. What a unique experience!

The lovely black woman sang of love and loss. She sang of suffering and joy on the corner in the French Quarter. Angels stood by her side. Light pierced darkness.

The Old Man awakened from his afternoon nap. His dream seemed real. Was he dreaming now or then? Fall would sort it out.