The Not So Nice Mice

The Not So Nice Mice

A Fable By Blanche Day Manos The hundred year-old barn was home to a cow, a rooster, some hens, and a mule who pulled a plow. The days they spent in working; each one did its best, and when the sun sank from the sky, the animals wanted rest. But, when evening fell across the […]

A Squirrel, a ‘Possum and a Yarrow

A Squirrel, a ‘Possum and a Yarrow

A Fantastic Fable Wind tore at Squirrel. Rain blinded her, but she kept going, an inch at a time, down the tree toward the river. The roar of the flood drowned out all other sound. The tip of ‘Possum’s tail appeared above swirling dark water near the bank where the Yarrow grew.  With the river […]

It Doesn’t Take Much

It Doesn’t Take Much

It doesn’t take much to put a sparkle in my day. Yesterday, I thought about the Halloween pumpkin. You see, it’s this way–my grandchildren and I have made it a yearly tradition to give our Halloween pumpkin that sits on my front porch for a month or so, a chance at a new life. It […]

Canebreak Critters

Canebreak Critters

This is a reprint from a few years back. I remember when I read it to my Cozy Critters and they were wondering what sort of animal would begin with the letter Y. Canebreak ABC’s Red ants, black ants marching all together, through a canebreak by the river in the lovely summer weather. Many-colored butterflies drift or dream […]

Winter’s Wildscape at Night

Winter’s Wildscape at Night

The bushes in my backyard, green and flowering in warm weather,  become gray, drab sprigs in the winter. The birds don’t mind. When moonlight silvers the yard, they crowd deep into the thick twigs, twittering and chirping, discussing the day’s happenings,  content to be hidden by darkness and their stubbly cover. A few wild, forest […]

Wildlife

Wildlife Six squirrels, some robins, a rabbit or two— My backyard resembles a varied wildlife zoo. Snowbirds, titmice, cardinals, and doves— Lots of pretty feathered friends that everybody loves. But, wait! What is the matter with this pushing, scolding pair? Those rude and raucous bluejays are not inclined to share. The jays are bright and […]