Possumhaw: Safe and sound at home
If ever there was a good season to draw close to home, this would have to be it. The sun shines, the flowers bloom, the clover multiplies, the birds sing, the bees buzz. Dandelions open fully in the mornings.
Possumhaw: A crazy mixed-up world
Sixteen years ago, my 10 faith-based articles for Adams Media were published in the “Cup of Comfort” series. A few copies remain in the treasure chest that sits at the foot of my bed.
Possumhaw: Something to talk about
“I wake up in the morning and my mind starts making sentences and I have to get rid of them fast — talk them or
Possumhaw: Woodchucks, whistle pigs, land beavers
A little over a week ago I was headed to town when I spied a funny creature sitting on his hind legs beside a road running along the Tombigbee River.
Possumhaw: Hoy, hoypoo, koillee
“The feathers were of many hues of glistening greens and blues and purples, and it had a yellow head with a red plume, and pink,
Possumhaw: A good day for somebody
Once I lived where there were four distinct seasons all within their proper boundaries. It was quite predictable, though the winter seemed long and ice and snow turned to brown slush lasting well into spring. There’s a certain advantage to growing up and living in the South. Very often all four seasons come within the same week.
Possumhaw: Early preparations for winter
Just when I was busy flipping closets from summer to fall, hanging the door wreath and pinning orange, red and yellow silk leaves to the cedar lapboards, all in an effort to welcome in the autumn season, winter hit overnight. Temperatures plummeted to 15 degrees by morning.
Possumhaw: Just me and Willie
Lately I’ve spent a lot of time driving back and forth along Highway 82 and Highway 45 between Columbus, Starkville and West Point. From West Point, traveling south toward Highway 82, on the crest of a hill I could see a fair distance to the next rise. Along that stretch I counted 12 large trucks — 18 wheelers.
Possumhaw: Tumbling into a fall
You might remember a column a couple of weeks back. Momma said when the State Fair comes the weather will turn cooler. Before the fair had ended and practically overnight, temperatures plummeted into the 40s.
Possumhaw: Do you see what I see?
Two weeks into fall and walking across the yard feels like walking on potato chips.
Possumhaw: Take the sting out of fall
It was midday and only 79 degrees; the wind was slightly blowing while clouds covered the sky. Hallelujah, a little break in the weather, though the earth was still dry and desert-like.
Possumhaw: Season of abscission
Leaves are starting to flutter across the yard onto the porches. A massive number are falling from the ash tree down to the deck. Sweeping may last a day, and then the surface is covered again.
Possumhaw: Alligator looking for a home
Standing on the porch overlooking the small pond I see reeds on the far side lying on the surface of the water. At least I think they’re reeds; I go inside and get the binoculars.
Possumhaw: Go ahead and book it
After watering the plants and feeding the animals, it’s time to delve into a good book. It’s hot as blue blazes outside, often over 100 degrees in the “feels like” category — and it’s not even noon.
Possumhaw: Amid the noise and haste
Way back then there was no caller ID or hitting a button to decline calls, so I answered the phone. It was a representative from Nielsen Media Research. She asked if I’d be interested in joining the Nielsen TV family. The TV family are people chosen to allow Nielsen to measure their TV viewing and radio listening. While I was flattered, I responded, “The only problem is I don’t own a TV.”
Possumhaw: Way back when
R.C. White’s book “Ten Million Kisses” turned over in my hands. If ever a cover attracted my attention this one did. A handsome soldier embraces his girl. The cover is done in deep sepia like photographs stored in boxes and albums from my mom and dad of the same era.
Possumhaw: Rain gardens, barrels and bioswales
Here’s a little follow-up from last week’s Possumhaw on rain and how you might conserve water to make it work for you.
Possumhaw: It’s an Uncle Bunky world
Kat was a young woman when we met. Fresh out of college and living in a small rental house just out from Starkville. I had furniture needing a new home and gave it to Kat to incorporate into her home. We became friends, and then not long after, Kat moved away.
Possumhaw: It’s a wild world out there
The Prairie has been unusually wild in the past week. A full-grown doe feeds in the middle of the sedge field in broad daylight. Her red hide shines in the sunlight. She ambles and nibbles, raising her head now and then as she stares with doe eyes.
Possumhaw: In every day there’s magic
It’s a beautiful time to be in the Prairie. There have been days of cool breezes, warm sunshine and spotty rain showers.