by
Jean Hughes
May 13, 1996
On this foggy morning, spider webs six-inches tall are strung in three-cornered geometric designs. Each web has hundreds of points of crossing, and at each crossing is a minute dewdrop. The webs sparkle in the morning sun. Big round webs hang on the fences and from tall flower stalks. They, too, are strung with dew.
Plum, cherry and apple blossoms perfume the air. In the hay fields, yellow mustard blooms in patches, and in the woods, hillsides of sweet phlox, and gatherings of poppies and fire pinks fill my life with scent and beauty.
The creeks whisper soft burblings, and my lane and woods' edges are brushed with the gold of sassafras, the cream and pink of dogwoods and the dense beauty of redbuds.
CENTER>* * * This week, I traded homes with friends and visited in the hills south of me for a few days. Upon my return, my dogs greeted me as if I had been gone for a year. My dogs always get excited, even if I am gone for a few hours to town, but this was different. Such jubilation!
It was almost dark when I returned, but I could not resist when the dogs urged me to walk the road. I detected four deer grazing at the far woods' edge. They could not tell who we were in the dim light, but they watched us as they ate. We were a peaceful group.
I appreciate that Border Collies do not naturally chase the wildlings. They are herders. They stay close to home, but are always ready to walk with me. They also sit when I sit. They are great companions for a bird and flower watcher.
Measure: 4 cups cooked rhubarb into a large pan. Mix in: Juice and coarsely grated rind of 1 lemon and 1 orange that has been simmered for 5 minutes. Add: 1 box Sure Jell. Bring to a hard boil, stirring constantly. Add: 5 1/2 cups sugar. Bring to a hard boil and boil 1 minute, s tirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim. Seal in jars or with paraffin immediately, or cool slightly and store in plastic boxes in the freezer.
I wonder what life can be brewing for tomorrow? I know from experience that it will make the memory of this day seem dull in comparison. Every day on earth is better than the last, and more beautiful.
I am kept so busy living with the beauty of every month that I forget, from year to year, the truly special variety of May.
The pliant air is mother to the song.
She bears her music as she moves along.
To quiet grass she whispers tremerous words.
She brushes melodies from wings of birds.
Her mood is gentle, and each note is brief.
She calls the muses from the silent leaf.
She carries harmonies from far away.
And sings them to me on a day in May.
Jean's book of ramblings and recipes "A Country Mile of Winter" and her book of poetry "The Earth's My Home" are available for $4.95 each plus $1.30 for postage and handling. Ten of Jean's favorite recipes will be included free with each book ordered. Order from...
Country Mile Publications
616 E. Monroe
Delphi, IN 46923