Good morning. I like to begin the day with you. So, pour a cup of coffee and join me. Those in NWArkansas and NEOklahoma, be forewarned: the Balsam Fir weather wand is pointing downward. That means rain!
I’ll bet the Four O’Clocks along my back fence have opened because it’s as dark as early evening.
To my friends and family in Louisiana: I think of you and pray for your safety. The pictures of the floods there are so awful.
This is the first day of a new school year for most Arkansas children. I remember first days when I was teaching kindergarten. My classroom was all decked out in what I hoped was an inviting way, bright and colorful. Those little ones would arrive in the school room with faces mirroring all kinds of emotions. Some were eager and happy; some came into the room talking and didn’t stop all year; others clung to Mom and cried. It was wild! But, sooner or later, it all smoothed out and the new school year began.
The countdown to Grave Heritage’s debut is ever nearer! Pre-orders begin August 19. That’s only four days away! 
Exciting. A couple of Darcy and Flora fans sent some nice compliments yesterday. One mentioned that all the Darcy and Flora books covers are pretty; another said she has begun reading The Cemetery Club and can’t put it down. She plans to read the rest of the series. So, I’m glad a fourth one will soon be available.
Yesterday, our Sunday school lesson seemed to be a bit off-target to me. It was about investing. Now, why would they be telling people my age about the importance of investing? But, as the lesson progressed, I saw the expanded meaning. We are to invest in people’s lives with acts of compassion, sharing the Gospel, prayer, visits. These things are more meaningful and lasting than money and reap far richer returns.
The morning grows ever darker instead of lighter. The trees are holding their breath. If I had a cat, it would probably be licking the pads of its feet, a sure sign of rain. It’s time for another cup of coffee and also I’m itching to write the next chapter of Grave Fright. Ned has just been awakened by a frightening dream, and, as she glances out the window, she sees a dog sitting on the well curbing. Or, is it a wolf? Whatever it is, it points its noise moonward and howls the most mournful, spine-chilling howl she has ever heard. Now, isn’t that a great way to begin the day?
Cats licking their pads is a sign of rain? I never heard that before, so I didn’t know I have 2 little weathermen right here in my own home! I’ll be keeping an eye on them today for sure.
Yes, you do have two weather predictors, the furry kind.
I didn’t know that about cats either! I guess I’ll have to watch my two a little closer!
This is one of the old weather sayings that’s supposed to be true. I wouldn’t say it is 100 per cent accurate.
But then, it might be 100% correct or maybe 80% or 50% or…hmm…it could depend upon the sensitivity of the cat’s feet or perhaps the degree of pressure drop or humidity in the air or if one chooses to believe weather lore. It’s fun, isn’t it? Heh. Heh.