Yesterday, while I was writing away, word reached me that there was a moose in the front yard. I’ve seen several, since moving here, but it’s a sight I never get tired of. I dashed down to look, and there was Bullwinkle, just across the driveway, nibbling at my red willow tree. Mooses, it seems, love red willow.
The horses were on high alert, heads high, ears forward. Only Banjo, the young colt, was fearless enough to venture forward to get a better look, and he soon changed his mind about making friends with the new kid on the block. Bernice, Yorkie extraordinaire, barked up a storm–“Mom! There’s something in the yard and it’s BIG!”–but wasn’t eager to make its acquaintance either.
When I was a child, there wasn’t a moose within 500 miles of Spokane. Now I understand there is a herd of about forty in the area. It is heartening to me to know their numbers are multiplying. Not that long ago, bald eagles, too, were almost gone. I see them often now, especially at the lake house. Magnificent.
I’ll be in Ellensburg tomorrow, at Jerrol’s Book Store, from 2-4. My brother, Jerry, his wife, Anna, and their three beautiful children, Jerome, Chyanne and Sydney, live nearby, so I’ll get to see them. Definitely a perk! If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by.
