�ݬ� �� A Country Mile

August 5, 1996

�ݬ� �� By Jean Hughes

��A red squirrel spirals around the trunk of the maple tree in my back yard. There is the stub of a tree branch that is its

sitting place. It often sits here for long periods of time, chattering.

��This is the first time that I have had red squirrels living nearby. They are much smaller than their gray cousins, being

not much bigger than a chipmunk, but they have a fine bushy tail. Like all squirrels, they are wary and always alert.

However, with some patience and peanuts, I'm sure I could have them and the gray squirrels eating out of my hand. But

that might put them in jeopardy, so I forego that pleasure.

��A pair of downy woodpeckers joins the squirrel. They circle the tree trunk, looking for food that is hidden under the

bark. They are probably feeding nestlings.

��At the feeders, a nuthatch, a cardinal and a dove, along with a number of house finches, vie for sunflower seeds.

Occasionally titmice and chickadees come, but it will be winter before they come regularly.

��The hummingbirds are at the feeders almost constantly. We have to be careful not to make quick movements, for it

is movement that frightens them away. The members of my family are amazed that we can tell the hummingbirds from

each other. They all have different ways of feeding. Some perch, others hover. One takes many short sips of food and

raises its head between each sip to look around, another takes only a few very long sips. They are each individuals, as

are all creatures and flowers upon this earth. Nature makes no duplicates. Creation is on-going. This is especially easy

to see in a corn field, as I walk through the rows listening to the corn grow.

��This afternoon my daughter and I walk the trail to the place where Deer Creek flows into the Wabash. The path is

almost carpeted with damselflies with sky-blue markings. ��

��Lacewings ride on our backs and anywhere else they fancy. They are beautiful gauzy creatures no bigger than my little

fingernail. The larvae of these small beauties feed on aphids and other insect pests. Without insects man could not survive

on earth, but insects could get along fine without us. It is something to ponder.

��The path is muddy because only a few days ago it was under water. The raging water has calmed and makes interesting

patterns where the creek and river meet.

��A bench has been provided at the end of the path and the water surrounding our small peninsula is covered with

thousands of what look like tiny water striders. I do not know whether they are babies, a small species or some different

creature, for water striders are usually found on calm waters. These do not collide when skating, but rather hop over each

other. It is fun to watch them.

��The trees that hang over the water make large shadows, but the sun shines on background trees making wide green

shimmering trails through the shadowed water. I have never noticed this phenomenon before. But I know from experience

that, once seen and found to be beautiful, it will be impossible not to notice it again and again. I have learned that it is

giving attention to the beautiful in nature for even a moment that makes me aware of it forever. It is attention that is the

key to awareness and learning. And attending to God's natural world is a joyful experience.

�ݬ� �� 1996 Jean Hughes

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