Backyard bushes, green and flowering in warm weather, become gray, drab sprigs in the winter. The birds don’t mind. When moonlight silvers the yard, they crowd deep into the thick twigs, twittering and chirping, discussing the day’s happenings, content to be hidden by darkness and their stubbly cover. A few wild, forest creatures slip into […]
Nov 24, 2025
Strange, Dark Night
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The Strange, Dark Night by Blanche Manos I sat before the fireplace, A book upon my lap Outside, the wind was howling Inside, the fire was crackling. A perfect night to nap. I closed my eyes for just a minute It could have been no more When someone stepped upon my porch And knocked upon […]
Nov 2, 2025
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My friend Peg asked for the next installment of the Miss Tootsie mystery. So, OK Peg, here it is: A cold prickle of fear ran down Miss Tootsie’s back. What had disturbed Cocoa? What did the little dog hear or smell? Should she waken the others? Had Cocoa heard an owl or a coyote […]
Dec 19, 2023
Night and the Animals
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Backyard bushes, green and flowering in warm weather, become gray, drab sprigs in the winter. The birds don’t mind. When moonlight silvers the yard, they crowd deep into the thick twigs, twittering and chirping, discussing the day’s happenings, content to be hidden by darkness and their stubbly cover. A few wild, forest creatures slip into […]
Oct 1, 2023
October and Its Mysteries
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You October people chose a wonderful month to be born. It’s a golden month, with the fragrance of apples and chrysanthemums, the time of harvest and tucking in of plants and insects readying for a winter’s sleep. Your birthstone is the fabled opal. Read about it. It has a fascinating history. And, of course, your […]
