Winter’s timing
Of course, never exact
Latest Arctic blast
Forecast sometimes hijacked
Sunshine shows up
Mirage of comfy time
Wind roars from true north
Car battery’s downtime
Sunset’s curtain
Darkness shrouded in cold
Sky’s icy moonlight
Furnace remote-controlled
Layer of quilts
Pulled from hiding place
Frozen toes thaw out
Warmth flows, cozy embrace
Morning arrives
Winter throws its wild pitch
Freezing air remains
Long-forgotten, spring’s itch
Winter nurtures peaceful scene
Warmest memories roam free
Earth no longer dressed in green
Snow covering every tree
Chimney sends welcoming smoke
Greeting from kitchen’s warm flame
Early morning’s comfy cloak
Cook stove’s crackling wood lays claim
Small cabin nestled in woods
Hidden from anyone’s view
Pantry filled with nature’s goods
Winter’s satisfying brew
Never more perfect setting
Looking up at mountain slopes
Arctic air never sweating
Preserving tomorrow’s hopes
Midnight’s twinkling moonlight beams
Postponing scheduled chinook
Winter’s sketches replay dreams
Precious pages fill scrapbook
A wise, mature owl is hunting at night in the 500-acre woods. As usual, his prey will be one of the smallest creatures in the forest.
A tiny, frightened mouse has been darting behind every shadow in the woods. He’s forgotten just how far away he really is from the family home where everyone is sleeping safe and sound.
With better than perfect night vision, the owl spots the mouse. His hiding place has been discovered, and soon the owl will be feasting on him.
Just as the owl prepares to grab him with his sharp talons, the mouse instinctively jumps into a nearby hollow log. The owl appears dumbstruck for now.
The mouse calls out from his secure hiding place, “Hey buddy, I hear there’s a daytime job available in the 500-acre woods.”
The curious owl answers, “Please tell me more.”
Meanwhile he positions himself on top of the log. The next several seconds will count mightily if the mouse is to survive.
Trying to calm his frazzled nerves, the mouse continues, “Okay, the main office is looking for a branch manager to watch over the woods during the daytime.”
Forgetting his hunger for a moment, the owl asks, “Are free meals included with the position?”
The mouse quickly adds, “Why certainly! I’ve heard that a fresh supply of rabbit stew will be served every morning.”
The owl thinks for a second or two. The shivering mouse’s energy is almost spent, and he feels there is no escape.
The owl responds one final time, “Rabbit stew? I haven’t tasted it for quite some time. I accept the position.”
The overwhelmed mouse begins to relax, and let’s down his guard. As he begins to move out from the log, the owl prepares to strike.
Filled with a dark premonition, suddenly time pauses. The cautious mouse freezes just inside of the log.
The famished owl whispers, “I’ve never really liked rabbit stew.”
Big Sky Buckeye 