HEADED SOUTH

“Hey!” My husband Steven called from the kitchen. “The hummingbirds are at your feeder!”

I walked into the kitchen and saw Steven standing by the back door. When I went to stand next to him I could see four hummingbirds battling each other for exclusive rights to our nectar.

“Why is it that our hummingbirds are always fighting?” I said shaking my head. “I’ve seen videos where dozens are drinking from the same feeder and everyone is getting along just fine.”

Steven shrugged his shoulders. “These are New Jersey hummingbirds. Maybe they’re just as scrappy as the people in this state.”

I shook my head and laughed. “I guess they are kind of scrappy.” I went to the cabinet and got out the bag of sugar. “I guess it’s time to give them some fresh sugar water.” I got out a sauce pan and put it on the stove.

“Shouldn’t they be heading South soon?” Steven asked.

“It’s funny you say that.” I got out a measuring cup and began scooping out some sugar. “When my sister Liz and I were up in Maine a few weeks ago we had a hummingbird that kept circling our heads when we were sitting out on the deck.”

“Did your rental cabin have a hummingbird feeder?” Steven asked.

“At first we thought it did because when the hummingbird wasn’t circling our heads it sat on the railing of the deck just staring at us.”

“It was just staring at you?” Steven seemed confused.

“Well, maybe not us.” I admitted. “There was a pretty strong breeze coming off the lake so Liz and I had blankets draped over our legs.” I poured the sugar in the pot and went to fill the measuring cup with water. “The pattern on the blankets was a buffalo plaid so I’m pretty sure the hummingbird was looking at the big squares of red and getting confused.”

“So what did you do?”

“Liz and I felt so bad that we didn’t have anything to feed him that we took our blankets and went back in the house.”

“That was nice of you.” Steven said as he leaned against the counter.

I shrugged my shoulders. “It was a pretty windy day so going inside was more for us than it was for the hummingbird.”

Steven laughed. “Well, at least you’re honest.”

“Exactly.” I laughed. “But now that I know they haven’t left Maine yet…” I turned the burner on and stirred the sugar and water mixture. “I’m pretty sure we still have a few more weeks of getting our Jersey hummingbirds ready to fly south for the winter.”

“Are you getting them fighting ready for when the hummingbirds from Maine show up?”

I turned around and saw our hummingbirds dipping and diving around the feeder without any of them being able to stop and get a drink. I turned back to the stove and gave the nectar a quick stir. “Hopefully by the time the ones from Maine show up,” I pointed my thumb over my shoulder. “these little terrors will already be on their way.”

TOLL ROAD

Screenshot

My son Alex and I were driving out of our development headed for the grocery store when I spotted the lemonade stand up ahead.

“Oh, no. They’re still at it! ” I cried and looked over at Alex. “Duck down!”

Alex looked around confused. “Duck down? Why?”

I didn’t want to slow the car down and give the lemonade stand entrepreneurs any false hope.

“Just duck down! Please!” I cried as Alex scrunched down in the front seat and I drove by the two girls who were jumping up and down, trying to wave me over. “I feel like I have to pay a lemonade toll just to get out of the neighborhood.” I said under my breath as I drove by them smiling and waving. “I’m pretty sure I’ve already paid enough to start their college fund.”

“You’re nuts.” Alex said with a laugh, his head leaned against the arm rest.

“Okay. All clear.” I looked in my rear-view mirror and could see the disappointment on the girls faces that I hadn’t stopped. “You can get up now.”

Alex sat back up. “Why did I have to do that?” He asked.

“Because I didn’t want their little puppy dog eyes making you feel bad and then you asking me to stop and buy some of their lemonade.”

“It’s only a dollar a cup. What’s the big deal?” He adjusted his seat belt.

“They’ve had that stand up every day for the past two weeks!” I cried. “I’m in and out of this neighborhood a half a dozen times a day!” I looked over at Alex and laughed. “I can’t afford it!”

“Hey, they’re just kids.” Alex reasoned. “I’m sure they realize you can’t stop every time.”

I shook my head. “I’m not too sure about that. They seem pretty disappointed whenever I just smile and wave to them.”

“Well, look on the bright side…” Alex started to say.

“What bright side?” I cut in.

“School starts soon and they won’t have time for a lemonade stand.”

“Yeah. I’m not too sure about that.” Alex could hear the doubt in my voice.

“What do you mean?”

“They seem to be having a lot of success with that stand. What if they decide to switch over to apple cider and donuts for the Fall?”

Alex started to laugh. “Really?”

“I’m totally serious.” I said as I pulled over to the curb, out of eye sight of the lemonade stand, and looked in the back seat. “Oh, shoot!” I said.

“What’s the matter?” Alex looked in the back seat, which was empty.

I turned back around and smacked the steering wheel. “I forgot the grocery bags.”

“Just turn around and go back to the house.” Alex said. “I’ll run in and get them.”

I pulled back onto the road and continued going straight.

“Where are you going?” Alex asked. “Don’t you want to go back for the grocery bags?”

“I am.” I said as I got to the corner of the development and stopped. Putting my blinker on I waited for the traffic to clear before pulling out. “I’m just going to go in the back way to our house. This way I don’t have to go past their stand again.”

“Are you serious?” Alex laughed.

“Hey, I’ll do anything to avoid a toll.”

HOMEMADE PICKLES

My sister Liz and I were spending a week in Maine. While we were looking through a local gift shop I noticed a section in the store of homemade jams and relishes. I picked up a jar of pickles and held it out to Liz. “Did I tell you about the homemade pickles Alex and I made?”

“No.” Liz shook her head.

“It was actually a lot of fun.” I put the jar back on the shelf and began to explain…

My son Alex and I were in a local produce market doing our weekly fruit and vegetable run when I walked by a bin of beautifully stacked cucumbers. I picked one up and showed him. “What do you think about me making some homemade refrigerator pickles today?”

Alex looked confused. “When did you decide you wanted to do that?”

I laughed. “Just now when I saw these cute little cukes.”

I began looking through the cucumber bin, picking out several that looked perfect. Holding them in my hands I nodded my head in the direction of the produce bags, “Can you grab one for me to put these in?”

Alex pulled a plastic bag off the roll, opened it, and held it out for me.

“Thanks.” I said as I dropped them in. “I actually saw the recipe online a few days ago.

“So what else do you need to make them?” He asked.

“Good question.” I moved our cart out the the way and pulled out my phone to look up the recipe again.

Scrolling through my phone I pointed to the bag of cucumbers in our cart. “Kirby cucumbers. Check.”

I looked around the store. “I’ll also need some fresh dill.”

“I saw some back there.” Alex said as he ripped off another plastic bag from the spool and headed to the fresh herb section.

I was still scrolling when he came back.

“Here you go.” He said as he put the bag of dill in our cart.

“It looks like I have everything else I need at home already.” I began reading the ingredients. “White vinegar, pepper corns, garlic cloves, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Oh, wait…it says you can also put in coriander seeds.” I looked over at Alex. “I don’t think I’ve ever used that one before.”

Alex pointed over to the section that had all the jarred spices. “I’m sure they’ll have some over there.”

I pushed the cart, following Alex as he went to the spice section. “Here it is.” He handed it to me.

“Oh, I’ve seen this before.” I put it in the cart. “I think we’re all set.” We headed for the checkout.

“I’m surprised you’re going to do some canning.” Alex was placing items from our cart onto the checkout counter. “You always said you were afraid of canning because if you did it wrong you could give someone botulism.”

“I haven’t changed my mind on that one but I’m not canning these.” I opened a bag placing the paid for items in it after they were scanned. “That’s the beauty of refrigerator pickles. You just cut up the pickles, layer the seasonings in the jar, pour the brine over it all, close the lid, put it in the fridge, and you’ve got pickles the next day!”

“So I guess pickles are the vegetable we’re going to be eating all week?” He asked.

I looked confused. “Why are you saying that?”

The cashier had finished ringing us up and was waiting for me to pay.

“Because the only things we got were the ingredients to make pickles.”

I looked in my bag and realized he was right. “Okay.” I said with a laugh. “I guess I got a little distracted.” I smiled at the cashier as I swiped my credit card.

As we were walking out of the store I looked over at Alex. “I guess we should put this bag in the car and go back in and finished our shopping. What do you think?”

Alex laughed as he patted me on the back. “I think that sound’s like a good plan.”

GETTING VACATION READY

“Okay. I leave for Maine in two days.” I said as I put the bowl of green beans on the table next to the platter of meatloaf. I sat down and looked at both my husband Steven and son Alex. “Can someone please remember to water my geraniums on the back deck?”

“I’ll do that.” Steven said as he took a scoop of mashed potatoes and put it on his plate.

“Great. Thank you.” I passed the platter of meatloaf to Alex. “It would also be great if someone remembered to fill the bird feeders and fill the bird bath for me.”

Steven looked over at Alex who shrugged his shoulders. “Sure. I can do that.” Alex said. “But if you fill them up before you go is it really going to need to be filled again? You’re only going to be away for six days.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You think I only fill the bird feeders once a week?”

Alex shook his head and shrugged his shoulders again.

“I fill them up every other day.”

“Every other day!” Alex turned around and looked out the window at the feeders. “With that much food, our yard should be full of really fat birds!”

“Hey.” I laughed as I shrugged my shoulders. “What can I say? We have popular feeders.”

I took a bite of my meatloaf then remembered. “Wait.” I covered my mouth while I finished chewing. “I’m also going to need the washer and dryer tonight and tomorrow, so please leave it open for me.”

Alex and Steven nodded.

I’d stopped eating and was trying to think of anything else I needed to remind them of while I was gone. “I feel like I’m forgetting something.” I said with a sigh.

“We’ve got this.” Steven said as he looked at my worried face. “Why don’t you just think about all the fun you’re going to have with your sister instead of worrying about us?”

“You’re right.” I leaned back in my chair. “Liz and I have been planning this trip for months. We’re going to have a great time.”

“See?” Steven said with a smile. “You’re practically in vacation mode already.”

“Oh wait.” I sat up straighter feeling concerned again. “I have to get my suitcase down from the attic and I need to get to the grocery store before I leave to make sure you guys have something to eat.”

“We’ll be fine.” Steven said. “You don’t have to go to the grocery store for us. We’ll figure it out.”

“And have you two at the diner every night?” I shook my head. “Not on my watch.” I got up and began clearing the table. “I’m going to clean up the kitchen, throw a load of clothes in the washer, and head out to the grocery store.” I began rinsing the dishes in the sink. “Maybe I’ll pick up a rotisserie chicken while I’m there. That way I can make you some chicken salad for your lunches.”

Steven brought his plate to the counter. “Would you please just relax.” He said as he squeezed my shoulder. “I’m telling you Alex and I will be fine.”

Ignoring him I looked over my shoulder at Alex. “By the way I have some packages being delivered next week. No one open them please. I’ve started my Christmas shopping already!”

Alex brought his plate over to the sink. “Summer isn’t even over yet.” He said with a laugh. “Why are you Christmas shopping already?”

“I always start my Christmas shopping the day after Christmas.” I said as I stacked the plates in the dishwasher. “This way I’m not going crazy right after Thanksgiving like everyone else.” I explained.

“Well, you tried.” Alex said as he looked at Steven and shook his head. “But it looks like her worrying is back and stronger than ever.”

FEED ME SEYMOUR

My son Alex and I were sitting on our back deck enjoying the late morning sun when we heard the frantic call of a bird. Looking around we saw a bird chasing another bird through the underbrush of our woods. While the one bird seemed to be trying to escape, the other frantically stayed hot on its trail. Its wings were flapping, mouth open, and the constant screaming for attention had us both wondering…

“What the heck are they fighting about?” I asked as we watched them now up in a tree hopping from one branch to another as the one tried to get away.

Alex sat up in his chair and laid his hand across his eyebrows to block the glare of the sun while he tried to watch their high speed chase. “Well, the one doing the chasing seems to be pretty upset.”

“But the one he’s chasing isn’t making a sound.” I shook my head in confusion. “It’s just trying to stay one step ahead of the crazy one.”

They were now on the same branch while one was sitting quietly the other was making a fuss, flapping it’s wings, it’s head tipped back, and it’s mouth wide open. That’s when the first bird leaned over and placed something in the other bird’s mouth.

“Oh, my gosh!” I cried. “That must be a fledgling!”

Alex looked over at me. “Really?”

“Now I recognize that frantic chirp!” I pointed to the birdhouse. “We’ve been listening to those same chirps for the last few weeks.” I looked back at the patient parent as it fed the baby again. “They’re out of the nest and flying now but Mom and Dad are still trying to teach them how to find food on their own.”

We watched as the adult landed on our bird feeder and took a few seeds before flying back to the tree limb the baby was on.

“Look at that! She’s trying to show her baby where the food is!” I couldn’t help but smile at the lesson she was trying to teach.

A few seconds later the baby bird tried to land on our feeder. But, instead of the smooth landing I’m sure Mom had been hoping for, her baby slammed into the feeder causing it to spin like a merry-go-round. Alex and I tried to contain our laughs as the baby held on for dear life crying out it’s complaints before breaking free from the spinning feeder to return to the tree branch without any seeds.

“That was a nice try.” I said as we listened to the baby continue with its complaints until once again the parent relented and leaned over to fed them again.

“Keep trying!” I called out to the baby. “Practice makes perfect!”

Alex nodded his head. “True.”

We sat back watching for several more minutes until Alex looked over at me. “Are you getting hungry?” He asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. “A little. Are you ready for some lunch?”

“I could eat.” Alex nodded. “What’s for lunch?”

I looked over at him and raised my eyebrows. “I don’t know. What are you having for lunch?”

Alex looked surprised. “Oh!” Then he started to laugh. “I think I saw some chicken salad in the refrigerator. Do you want me to make you a sandwich?”

“That would be lovely!” I said with a smile.

As Alex got up to go into the house I looked over at the Mommy bird who was still trying to teach her baby to feed itself. “Don’t worry my friend. You’re little one will get there.” I called out to her. “Just be patient!”

Alex started to laugh. “I heard that!” He called over his shoulder.

PLENTIFUL PEPPERS

I was still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as I was walking into the kitchen when my husband Steven and son Alex came in the back door.

“Where have you two been?” I asked not even looking up.

“We were in the garden.” Alex said.

“Look at this!” Steven was holding out a tray of bell peppers.

I tried to stifle a yawn as I looked up. “Wow!” I reached for my tea kettle. “That’s a lot of peppers.”

“Oh, that’s not the half of it.” Alex said as he stood with his hands behind his back. “There’s just as many still on the plants outside!”

I put the tea kettle under the faucet and filled it up. “Remind me to pick up some onions at the store later and I’ll make batches of peppers and onions that I can freeze.”

“You won’t have to go to the store for those.” Alex smiled as he took his hands from behind his back and held out a half dozen onions. “We have those, too!”

“Oh…” I put the kettle on the stove. “I guess I can make them this morning then.”

“No problem.” Steven said as he took the tray over to the sink. “I’ll wash them up.” He looked over at Alex. “Why don’t you grab a cutting board and a knife?”

Alex went over and got the cutting board and put it on the counter top while Steven began rinsing the dirt off the peppers and onions.

I was leaning against the counter top, waiting for my tea water to boil, watching them get everything I’d need to begin cooking.

When Steven was finished rinsing everything he placed them on the cutting board, got out a frying pan and placed it on the stove while Alex took a knife and the olive oil out.

“Looks like we got everything.” He said as he came over and gave me a kiss on the forehead. “This is going to be great!”

He and Alex walked out of the kitchen while I was still leaned against the counter top waiting for my water to boil.

I looked over at the pile of peppers and shook my head. “Five minutes ago I was rolling out of bed with no idea I’d be cooking enough peppers and onions to last the winter.” I sighed.

I put my hair up in a ponytail and rolled the sleeves of my bathrobe up to my elbows.

Forty-five minutes later Steven came into the kitchen where I was standing at the stove sauteing the last batch.

“The house smells amazing!” He said as he looked over my shoulder and grabbed a pepper out of the pan. Blowing on it for a second he popped it in his mouth. “They taste so much better right out of the garden, don’t you think?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know. I haven’t tasted one yet.” I stirred the peppers one more time before tapping the wooden spoon on the side of the pan and putting it on the spoon rest.

“I can’t believe you haven’t tried one yet! I would think the smell alone would have you wanting to eat a whole bowl of them!”

I looked over at Steven and sighed as I shook my head. “I haven’t even had a cup of tea yet.” I reached over and felt the side of the tea kettle. “Well, that’s gotten cold.” I took it back over to the sink, dumped the cold water out and refilled it. Placing it back on the burner I turned it on and looked over at Steven. “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Sure!” He went over and got my favorite mug out of the cabinet and placed it next to the stove.

“The next time you go out in the garden and bring in a haul like this…” I pointed to the dozen freezer bags filled with cooked peppers and onions. “Can you at least wait until after I have a cup of tea and wake up first?”

Steven nodded his head as he reached into the pan and grabbed another pepper. “That seems fair.”

“Thanks.” I went over to the canister that held my tea bags and took on out. “I’d appreciate that.”

NATURE’S FIREWORKS

It was dusk and I was heading into the kitchen when I saw a tiny yellow glow on the window of our back door.

“Ah…” I came closer and saw that it was a lightning bug, pulsing its light as it looked for a mate. “I think you might be too late.” I said sadly as I looked out at our woods and didn’t see any other flickers of light from any other lightning bug.

“Too late for what?” My son Alex asked as he came into the kitchen looking for an after dinner snack.

I pointed to the lightning bug resting on one of the panes of glass on our back door. “Remember a few weeks ago we noticed how many lightning bugs were out this year?”

Alex nodded his head. “Our woods were full of them.”

“That’s because we had a really wet spring.” I went over to the cabinet and took out a glass.

“That’s the reason there were so many of them this year?” Alex asked as he opened the pantry door and took our a box of crackers.

I shrugged my shoulders. “That’s what I read. They like a damp environment so they love a wet spring.”

My husband Steven walked into the kitchen. “Who loves a wet spring?

“Fireflies.” I said as I filled my glass with water and walked over to the back door and looked out at our woods. Still not a single firefly could been seen. “It was only a few weeks ago when you looked out at our woods dozens and dozens of fireflies were floating through the underbrush, flashing their lights.” I looked over my shoulder at Steven. “It was like watching nature’s fireworks!”

Steven sighed. “Well, I’m glad they liked the wet spring because the tomatoes in our garden sure didn’t.”

“The beets and carrots have been good so far this year.” I reminded him.

“Well, the cabbage has been tough, the tomatoes aren’t ripening on the vine, and I’ve been fighting a fungus on the hot peppers for weeks now.” He shook his head and laughed. “But I guess I’m glad the fireflies liked the weather.”

“See! Now you’re looking on the bright side!” I looked back at the firefly still on our back door window with its light still glowing. “But you my friend, I’m sorry to say, are late to this year’s party.”

Alex ripped off a square of paper towel from the roll, placed it on the counter-top and shook a few crackers onto it from the box. “Maybe he’s not too late.” He said as he went to the refrigerator and pulled out a block of cheddar cheese.

“Really?” I leaned against the counter-top and took a sip of water. “What are you thinking?”

“Well, maybe he’s already mated and he’s just stopping by to say goodbye to you.” Alex cut a slice of cheese and put it on his cracker.

“Ah…” I put my glass of water down and went back over to the door. “I love that idea!” While I was admiring the firefly I could see Steven’s reflection in the window as he stood behind me shaking his head.

“Why do you get her started like that?” He laughed asking Alex.

“Look how happy it makes her.” Alex replied as he put the cheese back in the refrigerator and picked up the paper towel with his crackers and cheese on them.

“She does seem happy.” Steven agreed.

“You know I can still hear both of you.” I said not bothering to turn around. The firefly suddenly took off flashing it’s light as it headed to our woods. “Goodbye my little friend!” I called to him. “I’ll see your babies next year!”

CHEESE TAX

“Winston’s here!” I called out to my husband Steven and son Alex as I stood by the front window.

Our friends were going on a trip and we were going to be dog sitting. I watched as Winston came trotting up our sidewalk, pausing a moment to get some momentum up, before climbing our front steps.

“Ah…poor little guy.” I said as Steven, Alex, and I walked to the front door together. “He’s starting to show his age.”

Opening the door, Winston was the first in the house with our friend Erika following him carrying his overnight bag. Our friend Kathy was right behind her carrying a set of steps to help him get up on the couch.

Reaching down to pet him I could see even more gray sprinkled in his black fur. “Hey, little man.” I said as he broke away from me and took a tour around our house, his leash dragging behind him.

“He’s got another med along with his eye drops.” Erika explained. “It’s for his cough.” She showed me the container that had his pills in it. “I’ve already split the pill so you give him a half a pill wrapped up in a small piece of cheese twice a day.”

“Got it.” I said as I watched Winston come around the corner looking at me as if he wanted to be sure I was understanding his medical needs. “I’ve got you covered little man. Don’t worry.” I said to him.

Erika unsnapped his leash and draped it over his bag. “We’re also trying to cut back on his treats right now. It wouldn’t hurt for him to lose a few pounds.” I looked at Winston standing next to his Mom realizing his sprinkle of cheese, on his breakfast and dinner, were now a thing of the past. After a few more instructions our friends left for their vacation.

As soon as the door closed Winston started whining. Alex sat on the floor and began petting him. “It’s alright little man. You always have fun here.”

I grabbed his leash. “Do you want to go for a walk?” I said in a sing-song voice.

Winston just stared at me.

“Well, that’s not a good sign.” I put the leash down. “Usually he’s barking yes and heading for the door.”

“He’s a little old man now.” Alex reminded me. He picked him up and put him on the couch where he quickly got settled in the blanket and closed his eyes.

After a few days Winston still hadn’t perked up. He’d go to his bowl look at the dry food I’d put in for him and walk away.

“I don’t know what to do.” I said to Steven as the second day had gone by without him eating. “I’m going to text Erika.”

“Don’t bother her.” Steven said. “She’s on vacation.” He looked at Winston who climbed back up his stairs and was laying on the couch.

“He’s not eating, Steven! I’m not taking the chance that he’s getting sick on my watch!” I grabbed my phone and began texting. “Alright, I just let her know he hasn’t eaten in two days.” I placed the phone on the table feeling better already that I’d reached out.

Several minutes later Erika replied. “She says I can sprinkle some shredded cheese on his food.” I called out to everyone.

With that I heard the jangling of his tags on his collar as he hopped down his steps and came into the kitchen.

“Oh, so you heard the word cheese did you?” I laughed as I went in the refrigerator and got out the bag of cheese.

He began dancing around his bowl as I placed a few pinches of cheese on his food. He quickly began eating.

“You little stinker.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Working on upping the cheese tax are you? Not only do you get some with your pill but now the meal cheese is back!”

Alex started to laugh. “He’s old, not dumb.” He reminded me.

SPECIAL DELIVERY

My phone chimed that someone was at our side door.

“Are you expecting someone?” I called to my son Alex as I picked up my phone to see who was captured on our Ring doorbell.

“No.” He called back.

When I looked at the camera no one was on the side porch. “That’s weird.” I said thinking that they’d moved to the front of the house. I was ready to switch cameras when something caught my eye.

“Never mind. It’s a Mylar balloon!” I said with a laugh as I watched it float over our fence into our backyard.

Alex came out of his room. “Really?” He went to the back door.

When I got out to the deck, Alex was already going down the stairs. “It’s over by the air conditioner.” He called to me.

I looked over the railing and watched as it slowly came towards me.

“Catch it!” Alex said as he turned around to come back up the stairs.

The star shaped balloon floated over the railing, the ribbon attached to it going right by my face.

“Got it!” I cried as I held the ribbon and looked at the silver balloon with Happy Birthday printed on it.

I held it out to Alex. “This is so sweet. How did the universe know?” I laughed again.

It was going to be my birthday in just a few days.

We went back in the house when my husband Steven came into the room. “Was someone at the side door?” He asked.

I held out the balloon. “This was.”

Steven looked confused. “Did someone delivery that?”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I’m going to chalk it up to serendipity!” I walked over to my chair at the dining room table and tied the balloon to the back of it. Stepping back to admire it I clapped my hands together and looked at Steven. “It’s perfect! My birthday week is starting off great!”

“Birthday week?” Steven laughed.

“Hey, it could have been any kind of balloon.” I looked over at Alex raising my eyebrows. “But it was this!” I pointed to the balloon that was swaying back and forth from the air blowing on it from the vents. “You’ve got to admit this is pretty awesome.”

“Okay.” Steven nodded. “But you do realize it’s some kids birthday balloon that got away from them? Right?”

“Nope.” I shook my head. “It’s a birthday present to me from the universe!”

Alex shrugged his shoulders. “You’ve got to admit it is pretty weird that it showed up in our yard just days before her birthday.”

I smiled at at Alex. “Thank you!” I looked back at Steven and nodded my head. “See? He understands serendipity!”

“Okay. You win!” Steven laughed as he came over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “It’s your first birthday present.”

“Exactly!”

As Steven headed out of the room he called over his shoulder. “It also makes it one less thing I’ll need to get you for your birthday!”

FINDER OF LOST THINGS

“Do you know where the silver cooler bag is?” My son Alex called to me from the kitchen.

I grabbed the remote and muted the show I was watching. “Pantry cabinet, bottom shelf, under my Mom’s blue Dutch oven pot.” I called back from the living room.

I kept the show muted until I heard him say, “Got it!”

I couldn’t help but smile as I turned the volume back up. I loved my super power! Living in a house filled with guys, who couldn’t remember where they put anything, certainly helped hone my skill.

My husband Steven came into the room. “Do you know where the white twine is? I need it to tie up the tomato plants in the garden.”

I muted the television again. “In the kitchen, to the right of the stove, middle drawer.”

Steven was headed to the kitchen.

“Look under the cookie sheets, next to the pot holders.” I called out to him.

Once again I waited for him to call out that he’d found it but several seconds had passed by and I didn’t hear anything.

“Did you find it?” I called out.

“It’s not here.” Steven called back. I could hear him moving the metal cookies sheets.

“Are you sure?” I was beginning to doubt my super power. I paused the show and went into the kitchen.

Steven stepped aside to show me that it wasn’t in the drawer. I lifted the cookies sheets and took out the pot holder pointing to the ball of twine.

“It wasn’t there a second ago!” Steven said as he took the twine out of the drawer and headed for the back door.

“It’s another one of my super powers.” I said as I dropped the pot holders back in the drawer and closed it. “I can make things appear when they weren’t there a second ago.”

“Thanks!” Steven said as he went out the back door.

Alex looked over at me, the freezer bag on the counter top next to him. He was laughing as he shook his head. “You can make things appear when they weren’t there a second ago?”

“I can for your Dad.” I laughed. “No matter how detailed I am explaining where something is he can’t seem to find it. He likes it better when I go get it for him.”

“He really doesn’t see it?” Alex looked confused.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I have no idea. I just know that’s how it works with him.”

“So why don’t you just get up and get it for him in the first place?”

I walked past him and patted him on the shoulder as I headed back to the living room. “Because that’s not how a marriage works.”

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Alex looked confused as he followed me to the living room holding the freezer bag.

“Let me give you an example.” I said as I sat down on the couch and picked up the remote. “Your Dad is always trying to get me to balance my checkbook each month.” I leaned back and put my feet on the coffee table. “We both know that’s never going to happen.” I looked over at Alex and smiled. “But he’s never going to stop trying.” I held the remote out ready to resume my show. “Just like I’m never going to stop trying to get him to find things for himself.” I couldn’t help but laugh as I shook my head and hit the button. “That’s never going to happen either but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying!”

Alex shook his head as he headed toward his room.

“Some day you’ll see!” I called after him.