Another lovely day in Little Egypt. Fall is definitely in the air. Hope is wafting on each breeze. Giant City is reborn. People are everywhere. Busses kids and cars are double parking to find their sense of place. This is Woods Walking Weather.

Thoughts are keenly clear. Sweaters will soon appear. What will we do for Black Friday where will we go? Brock and Marcy are coming. They have a new little dog, Bonnie. She is beautiful. Affection rises as sap in a tree. The need to care for each other and bind the brokenhearted. Right words are rare as hensteeth. Wisdom is precious.

What is hidden in the heart is known to the bearer. Love is a splendor thing, but it is difficult to realize in a climate of confusion. How do we,’ reach out and touch someone…reach out and just say hi.’

Words are filtered through our aural machine. We assign meaning. At times obtrusive and obstructive meaning. The speaker cares. The speaker expresses love concern and hope for reception from the listener and results that encourage the person being spoken to. Communication is hard.

Reruns of the Sopranos Series on HBO played last week. Seventeen years since the last season. Where does the time go? The actors looked older. This watcher looks older as well. The Sopranos was groundbreaking television. We rooted for the antihero. We felt his pain. He was a family man whose Mafia business was what he did for a living. He saw a therapist regularly. His therapy sessions caused him to have more empathy than we were used to for The Mob. Tony Soprano was a cruel man who could be loving. I have always loved shows about La Cosa Nostra. The Sopranos is one of my two favorite television shows. I identified with the show in some of the most difficult times of my life when we were caring for my mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. Life seemed so difficult that somehow Tony Soprano’s life seemed appropriate…

Easy it is to render advice regarding hard times. Harder it is to live through them. Advice is hollow coming from those who do not understand what they are speaking of.

We humans are made of dirt and water. We are mud creatures. We contain good and bad. Our motives are mixed. Yet God says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made…

As the Mob said on the Sopranos let’s give each other a Pass…

We are complex creatures. We do not understand what is happening in each other’s lives. Pithy Parables do not suffice for inner turmoil. People smile on the outside and cry on the inside. Tony Soprano told Dr. Melfi that he was the Sad Clown…

Patience is a virtue in relationships. Listen then listen more carefully.

September is almost a week old. This morning leaves were falling in the Woods. A few trees have bare limbs already. Time changes things. We gaze at the horizon and wonder what is over the hill. One time folks thought the Earth was flat. Some still do. The Question is difficult to plumb its depths. Where did we come from and why are we here? Profound in its simplicity.

Spanked on our bottoms we gave a lusty cry. Where are we and who are these strange people? We had been engaging in deep thoughts and suddenly were relegated to cries burps and the pleasure of elimination. It seemed we had forgotten all we knew. First, we were cold and then we were hot, not unlike the Golden Years.

Preparing is essential. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. School is important. Algebra must be learned but why? Is it people skills or academic prowess that is valued? We become proficient in the curriculum. Now we understand. We are ready. For what?

Was money the answer, the arts, or a combination of both? When we stood up and lifted our voices, no one listened. When we banged the lectern, no one heard.

There were the people who were unseen and unheard. We helped some. They were grateful as exhibited by their glowing smiles and dancing eyes.

Life is childlike again. The sound of the trees in the wind is exciting! Jonathon and Jennifer smile. Aaron is reflecting on his deck to come. Brock and Marcy are coming to visit.

When you stop to look beauty is heightened. Colors are accentuated. Friendships are precious.

Next is coming. Next has always been baying at our heels. We know we must get ready. Slothfulness will not suffice. ‘I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding, and lo it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and they want as an armed man.’ Proverbs 24: 30 – 34

Did we understand the answer to the Question long ago? As we walk back to Jerusalem have we gone this way before…

As a child, I loved Saturday morning cartoons. For four or five hours, the television programming was aimed at kids, and it was gratifying. After arithmetic English social studies and PE, letting your mind rest and indulge in fantasy was a treat.

After cartoons came the Saturday Matinee at the Orpheum Theatre. In those halcyon days, all movies began with a cartoon first. Often the cartoons were different than what we could see on our three network TV stations. Norman Normal was a unique cartoon that could not be found on the small screen. The Pink Panther was another. You could get lost in the hand-drawn animated characters. I learned a lot from Bugs Bunny. I heard my first classical music there. I was a kid before the Psychedelic Revolution. The brilliant colors and strobing lights were a bit beyond my frame of reference.

The Flintstones were on in Prime Time. They are fashioned by reference to families of the early 60s. In those times many women were homemakers and lived to keep the home clean and wait on their husbands after a long day at the office. My stepfather often asked Neva J to get up and get him a glass of water at the dinner table when he was closer to the faucet than she was. Society was sexist and misogynistic.

I discovered early in life that women could do anything that men could do and often better.

Cartoons and movies expanded our young minds. Would we really have flying cars in the year 2000? Were there really grown men as silly and manic antics as The Three Stooges? Would it be possible to climb into the silver screen and live with Lady And The Tramp?

Have you seen enough of Elmer Fudd to notice that his physical features changed a lot through the years?

Make Believe helps us believe.

Tom and Jerry lived in such a nice house that I wanted to live with them.

Each Friday when I accompanied Neva J to the Food Center she usually bought me a 12-cent comic. Often I endeavoured to talk her into a 25-cent massive comic whereupon she informed me that money did not grow on trees and thus 12 cents was plenty. Unlike Frank Costanza who had a silver dollar collection, I had a comic book collection. It measured three feet tall. There were old and valuable Superman Comics. Comic Book Nostalgia had not yet taken hold of Comic-Con attendee’s hearts. Alas, when I moved at the old age of 17 Neva J asked me a time or two to retrieve them but I tarryed. She burned them in the burn barrel that every home in rural America had…

It is a lovely September day. There is a cool breeze with a slight drizzle. I saw a beaver planning dam construction. He was like most beavers I have witnessed—busy.

The Race is upon us each day. We are a bit of a juggler, enjoy puzzles, and are community planners. We are like the beaver planning our next dam construction. Life is a marathon, not a sprint

It is good to be in the race. On the sidelines lurk shadows of doubt. We would race but many are better. Racing is fun until you get tired. On the sidelines are Cotton Candy and Thin Mints. Everyone understands we have a sweet tooth. We will begin tomorrow. Tomorrow is a new day. Joy cometh in the morning.

The wily Hare passes us and laughs. At times he runs circles around us. We see him napping as we pass. His hammock looks inviting. Mental health and emotional readiness ebb and flow. We roll the stone up the mountain. It rolls back down. Sisyphus cheers us on from the sidelines. He says for us to not give up the joy is in the journey. The manifestation of success is in the mission. Life is an Exercise. A preparation for what comes next. Looking through a glass darkly to peer into the Secret.

Busy Beaver contemplates the beginning of the new project. The Dam will hold back discontent anger hate and violence. Many are required for the Race. Recruitment has been good from the sidelines. Joy is in the air…

The Little Locomotive says, ‘I think I can…I think I can…I think I can…I know I can…I know I can…I know I can…’

Mr. Turtle is at the Finish Line. Mr. Turtle smiles broadly. He beckons the racers to cross the finish line pick up a trowel and build the Great Dam against suffering…

Kind words come easy in the fall. It is not hot. Fun is on the calendar. Hope surrounds us. The Calendar Makers knew we needed something to look forward to and lift our spirits as the weather turned to winter. You need something to stir your imagination as you sit by the fire. First, you chop the wood for the fire then you light it. Fire warms you twice. Once we hunted for our food, now… we pick it up at the market. Market items are delivered to our front door.

Our state of being is a bit unnatural. Social we are. Fear-loathing and COVID keep us apart. Trust is in short supply. Until the falling brilliantly colored leaves begin to rest at our feet. We see the diversity of nature. The settled calm of our Earth. The crisp autumn breeze whispers it is alright. ‘No worries here…what you crying about man,’ Fall tells us.

It is difficult to worry when on a hayride. The horses are clomping the apple cider is stimulating and make-believe is in the air. Elections fade into the mist of harvest and quieting of our home. Things change slowly. Hopes prayers and wishes are granted incrementally.

Make-believe is good. Fantasy and fairy tale gnomes and leprechauns reveal unseen worlds. There is much to know and little seen by earthly eyes.

Santa Claus warms our hearts as he has for hundreds of years. There is something beneath the veil. Shadows of worlds universes and realities unknown. The Raven flies high above us…how do we look to him or her?

Trees grow through the clouds and their roots extend deep into the Earth. They are settled and secure… seen it all. They know the Secret we humans seek. Imagination is imperative in understanding Glad Tidings…

Here again is the kick-off to the ‘Ber’ months. It is a day I look forward to, it seems far off at times. Life is like the mileage counter on your automobile; it just keeps turning over. I am reminded of Labor Days in the past. For a time we attended a Denominational Convention over the Labor Day weekend and Monday after the closing service was a long drive home from Tennessee. I smiled I knew that cool weather was just ahead.

On two separate occasions, we stayed in hotels where the Jerry Lewis Telethon was happening live. This was significant as I watched the Lewis Telethon For Muscular Dystrophy each Labor Day. In Des Moines, Iowa we were at Howard Johnsons. They were known for their seafood. I had clams.

Labor Day was the door to Autumn Opportunities. Aaron and my birthdays with a lovely meal to commemorate them. A couple of Dirty Martinis for me and on my birthday three. Grey Goose Dirty Martinis for the birthday splurge. After the first I become philosophical. I see so many possibilities and reflect on the love of family.

MJ and I joined our friends Jo Ann and Peter for birthday celebrations. Peter and my birthdays were in October. They were great fun especially when Peter imitated Jo Ann’s Dog’s howl when she and Peter drove close to where Jo Ann was after not seeing her for a while. Peter taught me about good vodka. His smile expanded with every drink…

Life is good in the fall. Hope is at its zenith. All is right with the world. I saw some folks buying all the pumpkins their truck bed would hold. I wondered if they were recreating ‘Its The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.’

A brisk warm wind and it was over. Carefree days with barbecue beer and brats. No coats jackets or windbreakers. Memorial Day was the beginning 4th of July the middle and now Labor Day. Was it a dream?

Vacation and multiple holidays are in store. Cooler weather is nice. I like sweaters. Some of us are meant for cool climes. The smell of fresh Autumn air. Leaves in multiple colors. A different world. Slowing down and introspective. Weather is conducive to reflection. Fall causes a treatise on the year that is winding up. There were many good days few bad ones. It was new yesterday in January. Hopes and dreams to be had. Fears to be banished.

Advent is coming in the autumn and winter. Christ is on his way. He renews our hope. We give each other gifts of joy. The Bringer Of Peace is coming to our troubled world. In our land, he comes in the winter. The Wisemen bring the Baby Jesus gifts. We do not know what else to do. We are overwhelmed with the Gift. We must commemorate. We must acknowledge this. He loves the shepherds and the Wisemen. He was born in a barn surrounded by animals. They felt his love for them.

Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman. Bobbing for apples. Smoke curled his head like a wreath. Tiny Tim Bob Cratchit and Scrooge.

A Taste Of Maine will be the first stop. Lobster every day. A slower pace. Ocean view. Unique architecture. Lighthouses everywhere. Thoughts of another life. Choices are plentiful. Laughter tears of joy too much life for the time allotted…

This is it this is the big one. Meteorologist say summer ends today and fall begins tomorrow. Summer flys by. Beach and sand surf and swim happens in the blink of an eye. It seems you should have longer. Holidays with the kids camping under the stars and no school is a treat.

‘We must take a last swim in Pounds Hollow today tomorrow is Sunday and it closes Monday,’ Jane exclaimed! ‘It will be invigorating inspiring and melancholy at the same time,’ Jane continued. ‘Where did the summer go,’ she plaintively asked?

‘Today we will dive for treasure with these new snorkels I purchased,’ Billy B said. ‘It is said that the gangster Charlie Birger hid his chest of silver dollars in the depths of the Hollow,’ Billy B said with a spark in his eyes. ‘Do you know what those silver dollars would be worth today,’ he asked?

‘I will bring my fishing net to pull up the silver dollar chest,’ Chet informed. ‘I hear estimations of over a half million dollars is contained in the sunken chest,’ Chet smiled. ‘Do you think the shocks are sufficient on the 57′ Chevy to hold all of the weight,’ Chet inquired?

‘Another glass of Merlot before you dive,’ Neva J asked with a laugh? ‘I read about Charlie Birger while growing up in Mt. Vernon he was a legend and he said that no one would ever find his sunken treasure,’ Neva J said. ‘Grandma A told me to not desire ill gotten gains,’Neva J said while toping off her Merlot.

‘There is Chet hand me an end of the net we will haul it up to the beach,’ Billy B exclaimed! ‘See if Jane can help us it is heavy,’ Billy B continued.

‘Where do you boys think your are going with my treasure,’ Charlie Birger asked? ‘The silver dollars are not stolen they were given me by my Dad their worth is mighty,’ CB said. ‘Now you would not rob a man of his gift from his Dad would you,’ CB continued.

‘Well the 57′ Chevy is gone and there is a Model T in its place,’ Jane said. ‘Charlie Birger is sunning himself on the beach,’Jane went on to say. ‘Better luck next time he said as I passed him,’…

As I began writing on the Writing Porch, I felt a hint of fall in the air. Extremely hopeful it is 90 degrees. I know what is coming. Frank Sinatra told us that the days grow short when you reach September. Life is poetry with blips.

Nice people make living nice. MJ and I heard the lawn care folks cutting our grass early this morning. They came this afternoon. Prophecy. So I feel fall in the air just before it arrives…

We see it in the cloudy distance. The image is hazy but the feeling is real. Home is coming into view.

Mylo leads me into rooms of our house which I am walking towards. Each step or two he looks back to ensure that I have not lost my way. Such is our Guardian Angel’s purpose. We have the best intentions. We mean well. We get distracted.

Cool air envelopes us. Hot chocolate refreshes us. There is a special smell. Sounds remembered. Love reminded. Laughs often had. Secrets shared. Hopes achieved.

Knock we do. The front door opens. Our favorite meal is on the table. Music remembered but what is the title? No harsh feelings. No obsessive worry. Plenty of money. What is money? It is a big table. Friends of every color and faith. Familiar faces all. ‘We have been waiting for you,’ Friends say. ‘Pull up a chair…more are coming,’ Friends continue.

The house was small the table was miles long. It lengthed exponentially. It was over the horizon.

Tears come easy to a full heart. Too much joy to contain it leaks out. The promise is true…the Secret discovered…

Labor Day has been my day since I was young. It signaled my favorite months had arrived. Jerry Lewis had his telethon. I watched it each year. I was touched by his dedication to his kids. Cooler weather was on its way. Thoughts of Halloween and bobbing for apples Frankenstein Dracula and the Wolfman permeated my thoughts.

‘Monday is Labor Day and I am already planning my Halloween costume,’ Billy B said gleefully. ‘I will wear cousin Gene’s Creature From The Black Lagoon costume he purchased from Universal Studios. ‘It is lifelike,’ Billy B winked.

I can not deny my fame for portraying the Lost In Space Robot,’ Chet commented. ‘The other night the Costume spoke to me and said that it is about time,’ Chet said. ‘When I asked about time for what the Robot said ‘You know,’, Chet noted.

‘I shall be Frankenstein,’ Jane said. ‘A short Frankenstein,’ she winked. ‘After the scary politicians they have seen this election year they will be glad to see Short Frankenstein,’ Jane laughed.

‘I will be JFK, Daryl announced. ‘My girlfriend Jackie is going as Jackie Kennedy it is too convenient,’ Daryl chuckled. ‘Halloween will be just before the Presidential Election we will debate the current candidates,’ Daryl said.

‘I asked for a soapbox to debate but they left me behind the lectern and no one could see me,’ Short Frankenstein said. ‘When Creature came in the Moderator fainted,’ SF continued. ‘Robot was the best debater among us with his logic and his catchphrase, ‘That does not compute,’ SF explained.

‘I thought Short Frank needed a touch of makeup,’ Candidate T said. ‘His voice was squeaky with a reedy undertone,’ CT continued. ‘I told Robot that he was Hired,’ CT said.

‘Nevertheless, we have much to do and we will put a man on the moon in this decade,’ JFK proclaimed. ‘Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country,’ said JFK. ‘We all love our children we all breathe the same air,’ JFK said with determination.

‘Looser was a whisper in the wind…’