Everybody Talks About The Weather

  Ponca Low Water Bridge

       You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

                                                                         Bob Dylan

     

I stepped out into the back yard recently--a sunny, perfect late fall day.  I could hear wild geese passing overhead--a steady honk, honking as they made their way south.  Their white feathers were gleaming in the sunshine.  The perfect 'V' formation constantly changing as one after another took turns as the leader. One of my favorite things is watching wild geese as they make their way to warmer climes for the winter.  It reminds me, "He who, from zone to zone, guides through the boundless sky they certain flight.  In the long way that I must tread alone will lead my steps aright". (William Cullen Bryant)

This is the time of the year when we listen carefully to weather reports knowing things can change quickly up here in the mountains.  My favorite weatherman is the guy on the Eureka Springs radio station, KESA--  possibly the most creative and interesting weather report you will ever hear:   

   "Wind blasts by the cabin door today, as the sunshine plays hide and seek among the clouds." means partly cloudy with strong winds. 

   "Temps rise to 44 and no more",

   "Wind takes the stagecoach westerly ", or "chases the hat to the south"

   "Sunshine floats generously o'er the Ozark hills."   

Today, he will probably quote Sandburg--"Fog comes on little cat feet" as the fog is lingering on our mountain hiding much of the valleys and beyond.

After a busy and enjoyable few days which included a long day of shopping with friends at the Pinnacle Promenade in Rogers, a dinner at Branson with another, and a weekend visit from the grandson, a foggy day is fine with me.  I am getting ready for one of those 'snow days' where "snowflakes float through the chilly air making their way to the frozen ground, as they can pile up with wreckless abandon in fluffy drifts beside the barn!"

Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.  (Attributed to Mark Twain)