Seasons Change

Long weekends provide an opportunity to slow down and enjoy changes often overlooked. With Kuma d.o.g. at my side, I unloaded the Jeep and climbed the cabin porch with supplies to sustain us for another rewarding visit. Looking around, it became very obvious the season was already in the midst of change. The flooring, chairs and swing were covered with dried leaves and after a quick assessment, I realized the ground was covered, too. Some of the trees had prematurely shed their entire load leaving barren branches weeks before the typical transition to bright Fall colors. The drought conditions have taken a toll on the Ohio forests and one day soon we may all wake only to realize we missed a traditional Ohio Fall.

Sitting in the dark on the porch while tree frogs sing all around, a distant rumble of thunder could be heard to the north as an occasional flash of lightening reveals the tree branches above. A candle on the table at my side is all that illuminates the eyes and snout of my dog as she begs for yet another small cube of cheese. Kuma loves going to the cabin as much as I do and knows that evenings on the porch are a special time that often involves little treats. A glass of wine, cubes of cheese and the natural forest sounds late in the evening prepares the soul for another relaxing night in the woods. The Westminster chimes of the Regulator inside on the wall signal the final hour of the day and the beginning of another restful night.

Inside, with windows open and the cool of the evening creeping in, I say goodbye to the passing day and anxiously await the approaching rain. Soon, the slow progression of its arrival begins serenading us both to sleep as it strikes the metal roof above. An occasional acorn releases its grip from the tree above and loudly strikes the roof as it rolls down the steep incline to the ground below. The ceiling skylights bring the lightening in where it shines brightly on the buck mount high above our resting bodies. With no obligations for the morning ahead, slumbers end will be after a full nights rest. No alarm clock will be needed as the light of a new day warmly welcomes us to another day of life.

The buck above the fire dances shadows across the ceiling.