Cheerleaders

The days are hot and humid.  I have to get out and walk when it is barely daylight.  I try to wait until I can see a the road clearly....too many snakes crawl out and stake a claim to the green centerline with out giving you any warning.  But I am careful and don't go anywhere without testing the shrubs and grass.  

The flowers that bloomed along the way have all gone.  It was a pleasure to see the Queen Anne's Lace and other early blooms for a long time.  But they now bow their heads and give in to the changing season.

Yes, it is getting on toward late summer.  Or mid-summer.  I really miss the color and variety of flowers that I saw earlier.  But there are some we have planted.  Zinnias bloom in a patch down in the garden and also up in the field where the cane is growing, lush and green.  I love zinnias.  Nina had them as her flowers for her wedding 7 years ago in September.  And we have continued to plant them every year.

Birds have taken the place of flowers for my walk.  Today I saw a goldfinch, winging its way, dipping and diving...sitting in the tree I passed.  Singing and singing.  Hopping down for a quick bite of seed..or a bug.  And then flying over and up, coming to rest in a high branch of the oak tree.  He was so brilliant...the yellow of his body and the stark black of his feathers stood out above the brown and dull green of the field.  I know there are other birds that accompany me on my walk.  I am not good at identifying them...and they are hidden in the green leaves of the trees along the road.  But today they were cheering me on.  It was almost like a crowd that gathers at the side of the road when you are in a race.  "Come on," they chirped, "just a little more and you will be on your way home."  

I don't know about you,but I can use all the cheering I can get during these days.  

Thank you little birds.  I appreciate your enthusiasm.  And I will keep on keeping on.