by Phoebe Hall
Perfect late summer day As I made my way downstairs, the orange hue of the sun was streaming in our east kitchen window. I looked out across the hay field at the low lying fog at a perfect late summer day. I smiled in
spite of myself. Next, I looked out the window across the room to the west into the courtyard. A beautiful huge sunflower plant filled its space and was looking back at me. It had grown so tall and had so many blossoms on it that it started to fall
late summer day and the next I was thinking of all the flooding that our children have had to endure in Pennsylvania. We talked to our son in eastern Pennsylvania who sounded a little dismayed, as they were receiving their third heavy rainfall in the last two weeks. He said that it was the wettest August on record, with 18 inches and three floods. Last night, our weatherman said to look for Northern Lights. It is early for them and they
claim that it means a weather change is approaching. I can’t remember what kind of change, but I do hope it’s for the good. Personally, I don’t think it could get much worse. We’ll just have to wait and see what comes because we can’t change it; we just have to learn to roll with the punches. It is bad enough we have to let nature take its toll, but this year we also have to live with the 9/11 threats. Many times we are reminded of
those out to harm us for whatever reason. Dear Lord save us from what we are all doing to ourselves. All these woes remind us of the adversities we have had to endure all these years. Because of everything we’ve gone through, our hearts and prayers go out to all those in harm’s way. It is only by a miracle from our Creator that we have made it through all these years of farming. The last few days, we’ve started to notice geese. Our one son is surprised that they are this late, but we’re not, everything else is a little later than usual. When the geese fly, my husband is reminded that it’s time to get serious about cutting wood. I know that at our age we’re not supposed to be working this hard, but I think that one of the reasons he doesn’t mind it so much is because he likes to go down in the woods for the solace. It’s like a different world when you are under the canopy of those big old trees. The magic and beauty are really a venue that creates an atmosphere to meditate without interruptions, with only the sounds of the birds and animals scurrying about. As you exit the woods, you’re greeted by the bright sunlight, the alfalfa and cornfields and you’re brought back to reality and all that comes with it. Some folks prefer not to have many trees, but we not only enjoy our woods, we also try to plant trees every year. They heat our home and domestic water and also serve as wind breaks and shade. The woods, which are at the back of our farm and on the highest ground, have the tendency to hold water and then release it slowly during a long hot summer drought. We are so thankful for our trees! God, the creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary. He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. I am holding you by your right hand — I, the Lord your God — and I say to you, Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you. (Isaiah 40:28, 29, & 31, 41:13) TLB
Page 17 - Section B • Let Them Know You Read COUNTRY FOLKS • September 19, 2011
A Few Words
over, requiring some support. I counted over 30 yellow blossoms spreading their beautiful colors, telling me that everything was still alive. Then taking a closer look, I noticed a little orange sunflower standing as straight and tall as it could, in the shadow of the larger one. I think it was trying to tell me that there is room for everyone, no matter how small they seem to others. One minute I was dreaming of a perfect