“But what does it mean, the plague? It’s life, that’s all.”
When I opened the door to let the dogs out, yup, I am still the one, the wind blew the door out of my hand. Everything is being blown. Even the heaviest limbs are bowing. Still, today is another lovely day. It is 62°. The sun and blue sky have hung around since yesterday. Nala will be sunning herself lying on the grass in the backyard. She is my barometer.
When I was a kid, I loved my spring jacket. After the layers of winter, it felt like a freedom of sorts. It had a zipper and two pockets. It was light blue. Sometimes I had to wear a sweater under it but mostly the jacket was enough. Things stay with us, sometime big memories but sometimes small memories we don’t realize we’re tucking away. A long while back I saw spring jackets on sale. One was gray. It had a zipper and two pockets. I bought it prompted by a small memory from way back in my memory drawers. I’m going to take it out of the closet. Its time has come.
Yesterday was a day for the birds, literally. I saw a cardinal couple. First I saw her but he quickly followed. His feathers were just so striking. I was sorry when he flew away. A chickadee was gathering material for a nest. She was pulling grass off my deck steps. I was amazed by how much she carried. My wild rose bushes in front bloom once a year. My landscaper keeps wanting to cut them down. I don’t let him. They are a part of old Cape Cod. Not only that, but there is always a nest when he trims them in the fall.
I am still a victim of plagues, not the Plagues of Egypt, but more localized plagues. First it was the gnats. Some still haunt me, but they are mostly gone. The ones left are in Jack’s room. I vacuum them up with my hand vacuum. They scurry then take to the air. I am good enough to catch them in flight. Now there are ants, not many and soon to be less. I bought ant traps. The mice are back in Jack’s room. They have been eating his treats. I had 4 mouse hotels for the last infestation but can’t find two of them. I did clean and bait the two I had and also ordered 4 more. I’ll check the traps when I go upstairs again then rebait them if my hunt has been successful. I choose not to imagine what’s next.
keepthecoffeecoming.blog 
May 6, 2026 at 5:01 pm
About a half mile away the world has pushed to its limit, up against the green belt. The old rancher passed away five years ago and the children must have stopped fighting and sold the property. Gone are the cattle and brush. Replaced by a road and what will be office buildings.
So anyway, I inherited some skunks, rabbits, and possums driven from their homes. Along with a big grey feral tom cat. I meowed to him and he meowed back. Bro stuff. I have earned his trust. He came close enough to see me leave him some cat food. He was very enthusiastic. The pattern repeats. I meow, he comes near, I set out the food. This morning he left me a good size dead rat. We have a barter system.
May 6, 2026 at 8:42 pm
Beto,
I ate to see green space, farm space, sold then developed. I lament what has happened to Cape Cod where I live. When I was growing up, there were so many open spaces, so many beaches without houses creeping down to the shore. I understand the value of ocean property but value doesn’t always have to mean money. It is so hard to find a quiet, open space. Luckily, though, many towns have invested in land for conservation. I see wild turkeys, possums, foxes, coyotes, herring runs filled with fish streaming, whales and dolphins.
I am glad you have inherited the animals ousted from their land. They will be safe. Cats are amazing!