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…’

‘I can not forget her not acknowledging me at church last Sunday,’ She said. ‘We have known each other 20 years yet she passed me like a ship in the night,’ She continued. ‘I speak to her without fail,’ She noted for the record.

‘I call text and message my friend yet he does not respond,’ He said. ‘Calling and texting works both ways how hard is it to pick up a phone,’ He angrily gestured. ‘Apparently, my friend wants an end to the friendship,’ He said sadly.

Hurtful words seem savory and salty when uttered later to become rancid. Love is lost on assumptions and imagination. Our Flag of being wronged is held high. We showed them. No one will tread on us. Lonely we are for the false victories that forgiveness heals.

Walking in our skin is enjoyable and deadly. We are adults with all the rights afforded thereunto. We do not like bullies. We take up for ourselves. We defend our dignity. We imagine slights. We judge our friends by our conspiracy theories. We stand on our soapbox and defend our honor with strong words of criticism. Doors shut love is lost.

‘But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever smite thee on they right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away the coat, let him have thy cloak also. Matt 5:39-48

Fun to talk about and hard to do.

Joseph forgave his brothers who threw him into the pit and left him for dead. Forgiveness is the milk and honey of relationships. Through our eyes, we do no wrong. The snapshots our friends carry in their wallets and purses tell a different tale.

Getting your mind right yields good fruit. Speak less listen more. Empathy is the key…

‘Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear.’ Labor Day is less than a week away. Five weeks until Maine. Ten weeks until election day. Fifteen weeks until Christmas Eve. The Locomotive is chugging down the track jump onboard.

Life is a Countdown. Johnny Cash told us, from the cradle to the grave. Along the way are many notable stations. Often it is what appears the less remarkable that is the most memorable. The little things make the difference.

If I was Citizen Brooks my last words might be Laughing Santa instead of Rosebud. Christmas was real in the merry eyes of the little stuffed Santa with a wind-up laughing box in his belly.

Aaron swinging in his little swing.

Jonathon climbs out of his cradle.

The call from Mickey that I had been hired at SIU.

The Happy Eyes of a person I hired for a wonderful career. How it felt to offer opportunity to someone unseen.

‘Hit the deck you rubberneck,’ and love it!

Riding on Dad’s shoulders.

The look of love in MJ’s eyes when everyone is at the Thanksgiving table.

Memories are snapshots of life.

When you are a kid you will be a kid forever. When you are middle-aged there is nothing else. When you are old you know it is just the beginning…

Ninety’s today and all of this week. But Labor Day cometh. The State Fair is progressing nicely in DuQuoin, Illinois. It is the second of the two Illinois State Fairs. It was the big summer event at one time in my halcyon youth. We drove from Eldorado 50 miles to experience a night of high-level fair. There were carnival Barkers freak shows and delicious taffy. A high Ferris Wheel and Twister. I had a tooth knocked out on Twister years before at the Eldorado Carnival. I do not like Twister.

We used to say that the fair brought more flys. I have not noticed them this year but I still believe it. The Governor is said to be walking around at the fair. I saw Governor Edgar’s back once. Another time I witnessed Governor Thompson the longest-serving Governor in Illinois history helicopter into the fairgrounds and he and his wife and daughter get off. I thought that this was the epitome of money and power.

Earl liked to drive to the fair on Labor Day. Opal told him when he was going to procure some dirt for her, she wanted ‘That rich dirt…Earl.’ Earl knew rich dirt…

The Carnies were hot and tired and never smiled. They were worse on Labor Day. They began closing and dismantling before quitting time. There were new horizons for them for us The Fair was our conclusion.

Neva J’s boyfriend DoDo was supposed to hold on to me when we were on the Twister at Eldorado. DoDo failed. Later he bought me an ice cream cone…