The Unseen

In spite of the drought we've had since the end of June, the river is higher than it was a week ago. So it was no surprise when we canoed a mile downstream and found a beaver dam about 18" high. We didn't notice any sign of recent activity last evening. But twice we heard the slap of a beaver tail and saw ripples.

We also heard the hoot of an owl, again unseen. Last week we saw a great horned own in a tree in the yard. I've been told that if they are out during the day, they are hungry.

I know that the deer are around at night, unseen by us, because my lily stems have been eaten off almost to the ground. Some of these are within a few inches of the house.

We frequently find scat of unknown animals on the sidewalk.

I heard a snort of a deer in the woods as I walked toward the house in the late afternoon. I saw nothing, even though I could hear it run away.

Last year, we often heard the yips and howls of coyotes when we were getting ready for bed.

I often wonder just what is out there. What might I see if I had night vision goggles? Tonight is a full moon. We might canoe to the beaver dam after midnight.

World Trade Center Tribute

Taken at the World Trade Center Site Oct. 2003. The cross shows hope.