New Renters
November moved in quietly the other day, stealthily occupying that abandoned rental at the end of the street.
We were just waking up from our Autumnal hangover otherwise known as Halloween.
Before the candy low hit, there were lights in the windows, and a plant blooming on the doorstep.
Settled in quite nicely, fooled us when we weren’t looking into believing that October could be the one renting for a little longer. At least until Spring came along with it’s love of a good cleaning. Of course that was all for show, to impress the landlords. Soon the lawn will be ragged, the snow will fly, the sidewalks left unshoveled. The garbage piled up at the back door, blinds will remain drawn day, and night. Light spilling out onto the driveway, illuminating the shabby old vehicles parked in the driveway that never seem to move. Arguments will rebound from cracked windows, snow will swirl, noisy parties, comings and goings at all hours of the night. Cold weather, killing frosts, storms, it’s unsettling to think that this is happening. And there is November with its icy chill, giving us the cold shoulder and not returning our greetings when we waved “hello new neighbour” at it as we walked by. Slouching on the porch, smoke twirling in damp air, massing under the eves, butts now scattered on the beautiful garden that October had tended so carefully. Glaring at us. Well isn’t that nice… not. “Quick turn you head the other way, it will see you staring… Yes of course I care if it sees me, who wouldn’t.” “Now look at the what the neighbourhood has become, it all starts with just one.” “Maybe the owner will sell, and something better will move in… I wonder if Spring is looking for a place to rent.” Let’s give her a call, tell her know that we might know of a place to rent.
There’s a what in my front yard? There have been sightings of bear, deer, pheasants, quail.
Along with the occasional run of too many eagles bent on eating the Boo for breakfast, but the other morning this one totally surprised me. My husband casually asked me what type of bird it was that my Sister had on their farm a while ago. They were Emus I told him. “Well, there was one in the front yard,” he told me. I ran to the window. “Its just sauntered on down the road,” he said.
Yes, he said sauntered, I guess that’s what Emus do. We have a Emu sighting, and you don’t tell me… what's next a Elephant in the backyard that you forget to mention? No really, there was a Emu in the yard, it was just hanging out there having a good time. The second largest bird in existence, huge, tall, almost as big as a ostrich if you are comparing them. With beautifully iridescent, glossy feathers, this one seemed to be tame, most likely was a pet on the loose. Made for a welcome change from the errant dogs leaving deposits that we usually see. As we drove down our road later, it was hanging out in the front yard of another house.
The owners standing in the front window, their housecoats wrapped around their slightly shocked bodies, morning coffee in hand, hair all mussed up. What a sight to see. You can decide if I mean the Emu, or the neighbours.