my own backyard

So here is the view from my favorite place to be, my backyard porch. It's six o'clock; the sun is beginning to make its descent in the western sky and casting long, dapple shadows across the yard. The temperature is perfect and there is just enough breeze to wiggle the leaves on the trees. Birds are singing their early evening songs and a couple of houses down a lawn mower is being hustled around the yard.

I love this time of year and this time of day. It's peaceful.

You don't get many days like this in the Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia; soon the humidity will start to creep up and the mosquito population will explode. Tiny little bugs we call "no-see-ums" (they are so small you can't see them) will signal the beginning of night as they nip your ankles and arms. In a way the no-see-ums are a blessing, when they begin to bite it is a signal that you have about five minutes to get inside or slather yourself with bug spray before you become a smorgasbord for a hungry bunch of mosquitos.

Soon the moon will rise the ducks and birds will settle down for the night and the bullfrogs will begin to sing. Having to go inside on a night like tonight almost takes the breath out of me. Exchanging the softness of the moon light and droning song of bullfrogs for lamp light and the chatter of the TV is harsh. I could sleep outside most nights if it weren't for the bugs . . . but there are bugs, mosquitos mostly, so I sleep inside. I'll enjoy my favorite place again tomorrow.