Rain has a quieting effect on me. Rain combined with the sound of thunder in the unknown distance…is serene bliss. It has been a bit desert-like in Little Egypt for the past several weeks and the steady rain brings a renewed understanding that things change.

‘It looks like the rain is settled in,’ said Chet as he gazed out of his window. ‘Parker is on the headboard of the bed…again,’ Billy B. noted. ‘She is so afraid of thunder that she believes that the only safe place for her is the oaken headboard of my bed,’ Billy B. continued. ‘Didn’t Neva J. get her some nerve pills for her fear of storms,’ asked Jane? ‘Yes, but they are only marginally effective,’ Billy B. replied. ‘Rain causes me to think of our first visit to Eldorado and Grandma Askew’s,’ Jane said with a smile. ‘Do you mean the time that we got lost in the woods…as well as losing time,’ Chet asked? ‘It was the strangest occurrence that I have ever experienced,’ Jane replied.

‘Do you have the picnic basket all packed,’ Neva J. asked Jane? ‘I have the wine that you told me to pack…but there is little room for more than a few bologna sandwiches…and some Charles Chips,’ Jane responded. ‘You do know that it is rumored that Karel Park is haunted and that some campers have seen strange creatures…during the midnight hour,’ Chet asked with a sly grin? ‘That is why it is important that we all have fresh batteries in our flashlights,’ Billy B. said. ‘I can not wait to enjoy some hot dogs and smores and wine…I brought some Dixie Cups.’ Neva J. laughed.

The glowing embers of the campfire were quickly extinguished as the hard rain began to fall. Luckily Karel Park had covered shelters for picnics and family gatherings and great protection against the rain. ‘I hear thunder in the distance,’ said Darryl…who had joined the campers at the last minute. ‘What is that strange light over the trees…is it lightning…it looks blue,’ said Neva J…as she poured everyone a little more Merlot…in their Dixie Cups. Suddenly there were three little men staring at them and standing just outside the shelter…they had large black eyes…and they were about four feet tall.

‘What a night…I did not sleep well,’ Billy B. said with a yawn. ‘My goodness…Billy B… you are old…’ Jane exclaimed! ‘My iPhone says that it is July 17…2022,’ Darryl marveled. ‘We had no cell phones last night…we were kids…on summer recess from school…what happened,’ said Jane with a trembling in her voice!

‘My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,’ Chet solemnly intoned…

‘I believe that this is the hottest summer I have seen,’ Chet said. ‘It is hot…and it is flying by,’ added Jane. ‘I read that school begins August 12th…and it is already July 16th…that is less than 4 weeks away,’ Billy B. said with a glum expression. ‘Before you can say Santa Claus…it will be Christmas again, Darryl added with a wink. ‘I think that I will attend Bible School in the morning,’ Billy B. proclaimed. ‘I thoroughly enjoy reading the Bible Story Books in Dr. Ferrell’s office at Ferrell Hospital,’ Chet said. ‘Let us go to Bible School,’ Jane said with a laugh.

Bible School was taught by women who were older than Billy B.s’ mom. They were serious ladies with serious looks on their serious faces. Billy B. soon understood that the Bible and being a Christian was real to these nice teachers who had taken time out of their summer to teach him about the Bible…and there was Kool-Aid too! Although it was 95 degrees outside…it was a pleasant 72 degrees in the Sunday School room where the class was being taught. ‘Jesus loves the little children…all the little children of the world…red…yellow…black and white…all are precious in his sight,’ sang Chet and Jane and Darryl and Billy B.’ ‘Does Jesus love only children,’ asked Billy B.? ‘We are all his children,’ answered the Bible School Teacher. Then…Billy B. understood that he was a member of a very large family and that he would never be alone again…he smiled when he thought of his many brothers and sisters.

‘We must ponder the matter further,’ said Chet. ‘How do we serve such a great calling as following Christ and being a Christian,’ Chet asked? ‘I think that we do what Neva J. has been doing for years…we serve and protect and love the members of our Human Family…just like the song implores,’ Jane answered. ‘When Neva J. sees a person that has been shunned or forgotten…she includes them and remembers them…and loves them for who they are,’ Chet noted. ‘I remember last year at Christmas…Neva J. brought Ms. Abagail, who was called ‘One Eye’ by many in town for her introverted manner and for her having lost one eye, to the Christmas Pageant and that she sat with her at the Head Table…and then she invited her to her home for Christmas Dinner,’ said Darryl with a wide smile. ‘Yes…and do not forget Rosie…who Neva J. takes everywhere with her and loves as her sister,’ said Jane. ‘Rosie had become a secure member of Billy B. and Neva J.s’ family by her inclusion in everything that they did…that she no longer felt marginalized and alone…but rather loved and protected…and cared for.

Herman sat on the busy highway curb…with his hat in his lap…and his lame feet folded under him. The sign that he held said…’Jesus Loves The Little Children…’

Michael and Gabriel…looked on. ‘The harvest is great…but the laborers are few,’ Michale said. ‘Yes…my friend…but there are still a few more…Neva J.s…’

I must confess that I am a bit addicted to taking photos. Durig 2022 I have branched out to take pictures of my home for most of my life…Litte Egypt…or better known as Southern Illinois. I traveled to Johnston City today and had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. First I stopped at Stuckey’s…and I did not realize there were any Stuckeys left in the United States. Stuckey’s had the old toys, dolls, and walking sticks of my youth…and I was hooked.

So…among the Stukey’s Vintage Toys…was Teddy…a Vintage Doll. I thought he looked like several people that I know…and I assumed that MJ would be bowled over by his unique countenance…as I was… Thus…it was on to my photographer duties. I had no more than begun my work when I see a dignified-looking gentleman…who looked like my friend of over 40 years…Gary McArthy…and it was him! He has a bit of the Dorian Gray in him…he keeps his youthful appearance…and I keep getting older. Seeing Gary made my day! I was struck by how vibrant Johnston City still was. I drove through it every night in 1976 when I was working for a cleaning service and on my way to Ziegler Coal Company’s Offices. Once a Johnston City Police Officer stopped me…I was glad that he did as I thought that I was laying shingles on our little church in Elkville…but I was driving through Johnston City…I was falling asleep at the wheel. When he asked me if I had been drinking…I replied that I was a teetotaler…but that I was very tired as I worked 16 hours per day. He advised me to open all of the 1963 Ford Fairlane windows and get done with work as quick as I could and then to go home and sleep. I thanked him and assured him that I would do so.

My last contact with Johnston City…was generations ago. I was 17 or 18 and I desperately wanted to succeed at my job. I gave it all that I had and more than I had. My buddy Steve and I were partners in crime. Neither of us had a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of..but we had a heart…and often the heart is enough. A young man with a dapper hat called out to me and said ‘Hello There,’ and it brightened my day. He said, ‘I like your hat.’ I replied that I liked his as well and that, ‘One hat wearer…knows another!’

We were in St. Louis, Missouri yesterday and we visited the Art Museum for a short while.

Quiet in the middle of the storm. Peace when the cacophony of life’s noise surrounds us. A sense of place when our earth is moving like a major earthquake. ‘Keeping our head…when all around us…are losing theirs.’ The cool of the evening is a nice time to reflect on shelter in the hurricane.

Anxious we are…and troubled on every hand. We search for more…when we have forgotten what we have. The January 6 Innsurection is difficult to watch due to the extreme behavior of the protestors. Screaming for the Vice President and the Speaker of the House…lives…and then attesting and proclaiming the righteousness of their cause…in Jesus…is a dichotomy that mixes like oil and water. ‘Vengeful people…create a Vengeful god.’

Fearful it is to compare our dedication to hard work against those whom we perceive as not working as hard. The Beggar who we cavalierly pass on our way to the market…could be an angel unawares…watching our reaction to the poor… A mystery that I discovered a bit later in life…is that we all see things differently. My perception of our world…is not yours. As we each look through the telescope of life…we see different points of reference. The James Webb Telescope is revealing untold galaxies whose light has taken, some, 13 billion years to reach us. A newscaster said today that the photos are so beautiful…they do not look real. What if there is someone out there looking at photos of our galaxy…and wondering…

Hope we have as we travel together. The light of God…and of multi-universes…and of love…we see in the eyes of our Human Family as we journey…home…

‘I must get out of the Den,’ said Mr. Fox. ‘There is some serious business that I must conduct on behalf of our family, Mr. Fox continued. ‘Monkey Business…is my guess,’ Mrs. Fox said with a smile. ‘Now…now…Fernie…you know that I leave our Den each day to explore and check on the chickens’ health and welfare,’ Frank said. ‘Who will protect the chickens…if I abdicate my responsibility, Frank Fox asked? ‘Well…there will be more chickens…for starters…,’ Fernie muttered. ‘Mike Mole is going with me…if he can find his glasses,’ FF said. ‘Do not forget to pick up the pizza at Dominos,’ Fernie called out as the Den Door slammed shut.

‘Mike…you are looking quite dapper for a Monday,’ FF noted. ‘Am I…I could not see myself in the mirror and I still have not found my glasses,’ Mike responded. ‘Did you see Harry Hawk fly over earlier,’ Mike asked FF? ‘No…I have been performing Fernie Do Duties…all morning…I swear it is getting harder and harder to get out of the Den,’ Frank said with exasperation. ‘I remember when Mavis was still alive…she did not mind me leaving her…often when I told her I was going someplace…she would say, ‘Good!’ ‘Mavis was a bit of a loner…I think,’ Mike mused. ‘I just passed Harold’s Chicken…and there was a group of our feathered friends in the Chicken Coop in back of the Restaurant,’ Ben Beaver said.

‘Cluck…Cluck…Cluck…said the chickens until FF and Mike Mole and Ben Beaver stood in front of the Chicken Coop door. ‘Whatever are you three looking at,’ said Carissa Chicken? ‘Well, I am looking at you…Beautiful,’ Frank said with a wide smile. ‘Would you mind releasing us from the Coop…Harold has evil plans for us,’ Carissa pleaded? ‘That is just what I came to do…I heard about your captivity from Olly Owl…who saw you in the Coop last night,’ said FF. ‘Frank Fox is a good fellow…and he loves to help others,’ smiled Mike Mole…but he was looking in the opposite direction of the Coop. ‘Foxes are a caring lot…they got a bad name from a few Bad Apples,’ said Ben. ‘Once we open the Coop Door…you can live with us in the Woods…and perhaps some of you can help me complete the Dam that I am working on,’ BB said with a happy countenance.

‘Run…yelled Carissa…Harold is coming out of the Restaurant Door with a meat cleaver!’ ‘Oh no you don’t,’ said Mylo Maltese as he pulled on Harold’s pant cuff and growled…like a Big Dog! Harold tripped from Mylos’ bravery and went back into the restaurant…to cook fish…instead…

‘Is that chicken…straight…you know what I mean…is it good,’ said Harold Hawk…better know as…Harold The Chicken Hawk…

‘I simply can not believe that it is July 10th,’ said Jane. ‘Time flies when you are having fun,’ Chet proclaimed. ‘It seems like yesterday that we were having Miramar Beach Adventures during the first of January and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were on the white sandy beach of the Gulf with us,’ said Billy B. ‘I remember seeing ‘Nightmare Alley’ on January 10th at Destin Commons and that there was almost no one in the Theatre…when in the past it was full of moviegoers, Chet said. ‘I recall thinking that I wondered what 2022 had in store for us,’ Billy B. mused. ‘We spoke of going to Maine in September…and now it will soon be time to go…and it seemed so far away in January,’ Jane said wistfully. ‘When I think back on my perception of time…I realize that it is a fluid understanding, said Chet. ‘The tomorrow that I planned for yesterday…has become my memory,’ Chet said in little more than a whisper. ‘A year is not long…and months are like the chapter of a good novel…and days are like the turning pages,’ Jane said.

‘It could not be 1963 again…I lived through this fateful year…59 years ago,’ Billy B. said as he bolted from his desk chair. ‘JFK was assassinated…and it changed my life in ways that at the time I could not have imagined,’ Billy B. continued. ‘Billy B…The President has not been assassinated…he is in Dallas, Texas for a political trip,’ Chet noted with a dry laugh. ‘What day is it,’ Billy B.asked? ‘Why it is November 22…and first recess…lunch will be soon, Chet answered. Mrs. K approached Billy B. and Chet and Jane and said for them to return to class at Hillcrest School in Eldorado…because something had happened and that the Principal was going to speak to the School over the intercom. ‘School is canceled for the rest of the day…those of you that ride the bus can board them in a few minutes in the circle drive…those of you who walk to School can begin walking home…and you may call your parents in the School Office if needed…President Kennedy…has been shot…,’ the Principal said over the crackle of the wall-mounted intercoms that were mounted in each classroom…

‘We were so young and impressionable…and trusting,’ said Jane. ‘Yes…I began studying Presidents’ Politics and Government…after JFK’s Assassination,’ said Billy B. ‘I realized that nothing is forever…that nothing is certain…,’ said Chet with a grimace. ‘It is a bit like being in a computer game…sometimes I wonder if everything we perceive as real…is indeed real or just our understanding of what we are experiencing,’ Jane commented. ‘We are no more than Pawns on a Giant Chess Board,’ Billy B. postulated. ‘Looking forward in time…seems long…looking backward in time…seems short,’ Chet added.

‘Are the kiddos ready for a Pounds Hollow visit,’ laughed Neva J. ‘I think that July 10th is a perfect day for swimming at the Hollow,’ Neva J. continued? ‘But Neva J…we are at Miramar Beach in Florida…and it is January 2022, said Billy B. Neva J…was nowhere to be seen. There was RK and Ron and Aaron and Jonathon and MJ. Pounds Hollow had become the Ocean…and Coca-Cola had become… a Dirty Martini…

So…summer is moving towards its’ completion…even if we do not yet realize the increasing speed of our year. MJ told me that she felt a little fall in the air a day or two ago. I always feel autumn in the air in August. When September arrives on the wings of angles…it is a slippery slope until Thanksgiving and Christmas…and 2023…

The heat has broken. It is 78 degrees and it is reminding MJ and me of fall. Fall is my favorite time of year. Maine is in our sites…now. We have been planning for it since last September when we returned from Boothbay Harbor and our stay at the Ocean Point Inn. This year Ira Kaye and Ron and Paige are going to join us…it will be fun! We discovered Maine somewhat later in life…and became addicted to its quaint towns and lighthouses and the majesty of the Ocean. There is a peace and serenity that settles over Maine. Of course, there is…lobster. The golden opportunity to eat lobster every day…is to die for! LL Bean is there…in Freeport…and I love LL Bean clothes and gloves and houseshoes. The architecture is unique. The authenticity of the people is palpable and refreshing. Rather than sandy shores, I am captivated by the rocky shores of Maine.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was fascinating. Aaron walked all over the extremely rocky shoreline and the view was spectacular.

Autumn brings a sense of place that is prevailing. The autumn tells us that everything is going to be alright. Autumn says, ‘Calm down and slow your pace…a little…read…and think…and live your life well.’ We love our fall holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas…settle us…and calm us…and they let us know that our family is with us…our friends love us…we may have been sick…but we feel better now.

A colleague often said, ‘We struggle and strive…but never get out of this world alive.’ I have known many people that substituted their careers for their life. I had a friend who said that his retirement goal was to have enough income to be able to sit on his front porch. Another friend told me that she did not know what she was going to do with no job to go to each day. Life is more than work. Dedication is needed in all facets of our life…especially our family and our health and our spirituality. Maine reminds me of these important facets of the composition of…Jay…

I ordered two burritos from Taco Bell and they were two dollars each. The ethereal voice emanating from the speaker said $4.47. When I staged my $4.47 while attempting to not hit the car in front of me and not strike the tall curb next to me…the voice…who now was manifest as a complete person…looked at me and pronounced…$4.02. I thought…what happened…and then I knew…senior discount. I must admit that I rarely ask if there is a senior discount…but my grey hair and beard…do the asking for me.

The campus was tranquil this morning. I do not know how many students are enrolled in the summer semester…but I think not many. However, I always see the Grounds folks working diligently. Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale is a lovely Campus. I was contemplating that no matter our age…life affords us many senior discounts. At times we are not aware of them for a variety of reasons. We may feel eternally negative or down or have the blues…due to some unhappy reversals in our life. At times the vagaries of living can cloud our perspective as to the joys inherent in the gift of life that we all enjoy. The United Kingdom Prime Minister said during his resignation speech…’ Thems The Breaks.’ But…how often do things and events break our way…and we take those blessings for granted?

‘I just do not believe that Helen is ever going to send the bicycle that she promised to buy for me not long after we left Chicago,’ Billy B. said with disgust. ‘How long have you been waiting for the bicycle,’ Chet asked? ‘Four years,’ Billy B. responded. ‘There are some great Three Speed bikes at Western Auto…I saw them yesterday when I was helping clean the store,’ smiled Jane. ‘Bob says that he could use another helper…for delivery in the afternoon after school,’ Jane mentioned. ‘I will go and see him this minute,’ Billy B. announced as the front door hit him on his butt.

‘Is the Three Speed that is in the window really $75,’ asked Billy B.? ‘Yes…but it has been in the window for some time…I will let you take it home for $40 and you can work the price off a couple of hours an afternoon at $1 an hour,’ said Bob with a wide grin. ‘Gosh…I could have the Three Speed paid for in a month, exclaimed Billy B.!

‘That is one sweet ride,’ laughed Chet as they rode their bikes around Eldorado.’ ‘Bob’s son, Jeff, told me that his dad basically gave you the Three Speed for his cost as he paid $40 for it wholesale, Jane said with a smile.

‘What a tremendous discount,’ Billy B. said…as he changed speeds…

The heat is breaking…a little. The temperature is currently 85 degrees but it feels like 96 degrees. For the past few days, the heat factor has been 110 degrees and above. It has felt like a sauna. Did you know that crows can mimic human speech mush like parrots? As I sat at a picnic table at Giant City State Park today…I wondered if the half dozen crows that were standing around on the ground when I arrived…and then slowly flew into the trees when I got out of the Forester…were discussing me?

Chet opened one eye when he heard a rustling on the nightstand that is next to his bed. As he reached for his glasses he heard, ‘Hey Buddy…how’s it going…have you heard any good jokes lately?’ When Chet put on his glasses he saw a humongous Black Crow…smiling at him. ‘My name is Clive Crow,’ Clive said. ‘How did you get in,’ Chet asked? ‘I flew in through your bedroom window,’ Clive answered. ‘I prefer flying to walking on most days,’ Clive continued. ‘Do all crows talk,’ asked Chet? ‘Yes…unless we are not in the mood…sometimes there just is not much to talk about,’ Clive said with a wink. ‘My wife sent me out of the nest…she told me to not ‘Mess in My Nest,’ Clive laughed. ‘Her name is Matilda…Matilda Magpie,’ Clive explained. ‘I was smoking a cigar…and she asked me if I had not thought about setting our Nest on fire,’ Clive snorted. ‘I told her that I had sprayed it with fire-retardant…but she did not believe me,’ Clive went on to say. ‘I was in the Park today and I saw several crows cawing and looking at me as if they could not believe what they were seeing,’ Chet told Clive.’ ‘Well…we are basically a curious lot…we like to watch the humans,’ Clive answered. ‘The other day I saw a large man and a Maltese dog walking…and when the Maltese had bowel movement…the man picked it up and put it in a bag…for later,’ Clive grinned. ‘I can only assume that you humans must prize dog poop,’ Clive said with sincerity in his voice. ‘Humans seem to be a bit narcissistic to we crows…you camp out in our woods and leave all of your human litter to clog our streams and cause forest fires,’ Clive said sternly. ‘It seems that you Hairless Ones…seem to have much confidence in your intelligence…but you have no network…you all are your own Island,’ Clive said. ‘We crow stick together and thus see danger from a far off due to our communication skills…while you Hairless Ones appear to be oblivious to the most basic of threats, Clive warned. ‘You lack community…you lack empathy…at least when it comes to we crow,’ Clive said in a whisper.

‘Have you seen Clive,’ Billy B. asked? ‘Yes he is on the Writing Porch with me,’ answered Chet. ‘Has Clive been telling you of his domestic troubles,’ Billy B. asked Chet? ‘He did mention it briefly…but he has been giving me his daily dose of Crow Wisdom,’ Chet answered.

Since my last visit to the United Kingdom in 2016, I have had an amplified affection for the country that we came from. We spent a lovely three weeks with our dear friends Jeff and Margo. We first became acquainted with our buddies in Southern Illinois. We have been friends for over 50 years. We visited London…but we branched out all the way to Edinburgh as well as York and Leeds and Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon…William Shakespeare home. Traveling through the Mid-Lands of England I saw and learned that all of the UK is not like London…indeed London is as much like the UK as New York City represents the rest of the United States. The United Kingdom is indeed A Good And Pleasant Land. England is full of poor and working-class people. The UK is full of practical people and Our British Friends enjoy their Pubs. Their Parliamentary system of government is fascinating…just watch Prime Ministers’ Questions each Wednesday.

Consensus is vital to successful government…both in the United Kingdom and the United States. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has become an Unpopular Populist. The Prime minister’s assertions seem a bit narcissistic. I am pleased to hear our closest ally concerned about integrity and telling the truth. It seems we have forgotten that principle…at times…in this country. So often I have witnessed leaders…forget the Plot…and equate their staying in power with the success of those who they serve.

Boris has the record for the most ministers quitting in one day… which is 14…while second place occurred in 1932…with 11 resignations. Again refreshing when I think of the almost universal support our former president enjoyed…from his political party… for what now has been revealed as criminal behavior. I experienced the same sycophantic behavior at University when many were more afraid of keeping their job…than telling the truth. Sadly politics in the United States has become a Cushy…Full-Time Career…

Precept Number 1 is that a person who is elected by the people…rather in politics or church government…must be prepared to resign when they can see and it is revealed by their honest truth-telling colleagues…that they are no longer effective.

Honesty…Integrity…Service…is the legs of the table that most hard-working people base their lives upon. The rarefied air of the privileged and protected is not enjoyed by the rest of us. If we lie to our boss…we will be terminated. If we mislead our friends…they will leave our side. We have groceries to put on the table for our hungry kids. We are expected to obey the rules…and to not obfuscate. I personally witnessed a manager lose their position of leadership due to no confidence.

Allegiances based on ‘I will scratch your back and you will scratch mine,’ is a method of accomplishing things in government…it is not ethical or legal or a controlling principle to have political allegiance based on lies and artifice and narcissism. When a leader’s vision of leadership is based on what is best for them with no concern for the welfare of those who sent them to an office of leadership…’The Emperor Has No Clothes…’