Bemused and Befuddled

Preoccupied, I meandered the gardens.

Whoa!  Watch my step!  Soundlessly, the

garden snake slithered from side to side.

Another surprise awaited in a flowerpot

and startled me.  A leopard minding its own

business and napping.  Lots of squirrels out

and about thrown off by the sudden cold. 

Remnants of half-eaten apples in the lawn

under the apple trees.  It’s a shame the

critters don’t clean up after themselves!

Messy eaters.  Uncouth manners!  Same

for the chipmunk who leaves a mess

on top of the gutter downspout.  Smiling,

I observe their activities and keep an eye out.

The rabbits hop on over to eat the apples

left behind by the squirrels.  Some late-

blooming flowers make a welcome

appearance.  Just buds now on the

Montauk daisies.  They are the last

ones to share beauty with us.  Early

snowfall this year?  The stores and the

neighborhood are already displaying

some decorations for Halloween.  In a

few weeks, the orange plastic pumpkin

will once more adorn the front porch.

Invigorating weather and season.  Soon

the colorful leaves will fall.  On cue:  cold

winds and rain arrive.  Happy Autumn!