Returning Neighbors

Great weather today!  We noticed the sun setting in the preserve tonight, dancing on the remaining surface moisture, now almost completely dried up.  After an overly wet, hot and humid summer, the weather has turned fall-like, even for Florida.  Great warm breeze, no afternoon monsoons, cool evenings, limited use of the air conditioner, what more could you ask for.  Leaves, minus the color are beginning to drop, allowing the setting sun to open up the preserve to inquisitive eyes.  Just a few days ago, the majestic bald eagle was back.  The largest wing span we have ever seen, his brilliant white tail and head feathers, even more noticeable in late afternoon sunset.  Although we often watched the eagles soar above the Shetucket River, this lovely bird,  the first I have seen totally decked out in his majestic glory.  Casting an enormous shadow, the eagle's stealth flight is being closely watched from beneath the fallen leaves and decaying palms that litter the preserve floor. Faint movement of the rustling leaves in wind still evident, but the squirrels, small birds, chipmunks, mice and even snakes are ever so still, as if time has stopped.  They watch, they wait and they listen, you immediately notice the silence, as he soars above the preserve making his presence known.

Our evening outside quickly coming to a close, mosquitoes need to eat too!  Thank goodness for more than one TV.  Although, I watch very little, Mr. Bill makes up for that shortcoming.  Years ago, early morning conversations at Fred's News always included previous night TV.  Trust me, some things never change.  Just visit the caddy shack restaurant first thing in the morning, wanna-be sports commentators, reality show junkies, Siskel and Ebert impersonators, are all vying for time on the soap box.  This place could be the next Fred's News.......there is a wise-ass cook, but she is out in the kitchen, making an occasional appearance, just because she can.  The waitstaff, usually one or two ladies from the community, sometimes they remember your name, other times...let's just say, other times are the norm.  Opinions abound!  Shouting matches, frequent.  After walking in on a rather heated discussion, I questioned the wise-ass cook...."Why are they shouting at each other, are they really pissed off?"  "Not really, I think they're both hard of hearing."  My God, all that over "Mrs. Brady" getting the boot on Dancing with the Stars!  These people should of been Fred's News regulars.  They would have learned so much.  Snow-birds are returning, so local politics NEVER are part of the conversation, (so tragic).  What is.....health recaps!  Explanation:  How many, how often, the cost, it's all the current administrations fault (especially if you come from middle America).  All have returned to sun-drenched Florida,  having survived the summer months, enduring ever medical procedure known to man...just because, well...we will leave it as just because.  Many of our returning neighbors stop by, amazed at Mr. Bill's flowers.  Some have friends that have helped them return to the community, their first stop, the little house on the preserve, all eager to find out his secrets.  They would have loved the Flowers of Fred's News!  Bill commented just the other day, "we always looked forward to friends returning to the north as Spring blossomed in New England.  Now, the Fall season allows us much the same pleasures.  We do visit the wise-ass cook often, she hails from Rhode Island...We tell her, New Englanders stick together.