Robins, doves, and a the voices of a few more birds blend into song this morning. Perhaps they are rejoicing that they escaped the small hailstones that fell yesterday. Thankfully, our storm front brought needed rain but, so far as I know, caused no damage and today, after too-warm temperatures, is supposed to be downright nippy. My Minnesota family residing in Branson will find it exhilarating while I? Well, this Oklahoma/Arkansas gal may need a coat.
Sometimes I wonder where birds and animals go during a storm. Probably they crouch in their nests, especially if they have babies to keep safe. One hailstone could obliterate a bird, if it hit him on the head, and would at least give a squirrel a headache. I wonder if butterflies are ever killed by hailstones? Speaking of butterflies, Dawn and I saw one last Sunday. It acted as if it had just hatched, clinging to the maple tree and fluttering its wings. I think it came out much too early. Mom used to say that when we saw butterflies, it was time to go barefoot. But, I don’t believe that particular butterfly ever heard that adage.
And, speaking of squirrels–they are, of course, daredevils. I don’t think they stop to consider the danger or they’d never turn undecided when crossing a street. Anyway, I saw a squirrel yesterday at almost the very tiptop of my neighbor’s tall tree. It seemed really important to him that he be in that particular place. The only thing of value I could see were the leaf buds. He seemed to be eating them as he frisked from one thin limb to the other.
In spite of the oppressive feeling from the coming storm yesterday, I typed. Nettie, in Moonlight Can Be Murder, decided to go visit some disreputable characters, believing, in her innocence, that a friendly sit-down chat might yield clues about a murder. The visit didn’t turn out as she had planned, and she barely escaped with no damage to her person. Here’s a part of that scene:
Keeping my eye on the menacing animal, I inched backward until I touched the reassuring hood of my car. Sliding my hand around to the side of the Escape, I kept moving until my fingers touched the door handle. Just as my hand closed around it, Ulysses sprang. Jerking the door open, I scrambled inside my car and slammed it shut, feeling the hot breath from that gaping mouth through my jeans. Safely inside the cab, I leaned my head on the steering wheel and gasped for air. Vermuth stood in the doorway, laughing.
Leaving Nettie in that situation, let me tell you about a pretty little ground cover that comes up every year. At Mom and Dad’s house in Tahlequah, this plant pops up on its own. I don’t think anybody planted it. Here in NWArkansas, I believe someone planted it in flower beds several years ago. It is a vinca vine, or perriwinkle. Have you ever heard of perriwinkle blue? The color is lovely. I’m sure there must be folk tales about the perriwinkle but so far, I haven’t been able to find any.
May you be blessed with birdsong, wild flowers, and enough curiosity, gratitude and imagination to make this a happy April day.
vinca vine or perriwinkle
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