Reminiscences

 She raced out of the “White House” as it was named and made one leap down the stoop steps, across the gravel parking lot, and up the hill. Her bare feet crunched on the dead winter leaves spread like a golden carpet across the landscape. In no time she reached her destination: the “giant” swing as they called it. Hooking the cable swing up to a metal link tied to a worn and frayed yellow rope broken many times through the years evidenced by the many knots that hold the rope together, she grabbed the first splintery old board nailed to a small Maple. Making the 15-foot climb and rope-pulling 18 seconds this time, she pushed back on the old Cherry log swing and let the swing carry her away. The wind rushed in her ears and pushed her hair swiftly from her face. Oh, yes! That lovely belly-drop that comes with the first outward-going swing. It was another warm winter day, typical of NC. It had gotten up into the high 60's that day and she hoped the warm weather would keep her company for a few more days at least. She wiggled her toes and let her feet rake against the ground making the cable slow down to a near stop. It was quiet and peaceful broken only by sounds (that were meant to be there) that added to the blissful rhythm of a woodsy evening. A nearby gunshot reminded her that it was just two days after Christmas, a perfect time for target shooting, and she secretly hoped they'd invite her to join them. The wind rattled the few remaining Oak and Beech leaves and an occasional squirrel scurried off to dinner. Dinner? Hmmm, she should be going in soon. A distant car whizzed by on White's Chapel and an airplane droned overhead. The bare trees stood silhouetted against the sunset. The sunset! Oh what a glorious sight! By now the sun had disappeared behind the ridge line leaving it's tattle-tail marks behind. A cool pink/gray faded slowly into a stronger pink. An obstructing cloud turned a smoky purple and then gradually fluffy pink and faded orange. The sunset gently faded into the vast grayness of the rest of the sky. A typical winter sky. You could almost imagine it was snowing, except for the fact of the comfortable breeze blowing across her feet and face. She cast a glance at the volleyball net. It stood pitifully, a few yards away, pleading with you not to notice it's half-torn black and blue net and make its court ring again with the bang of the ball against fists and the shouts of kids playing. From far off, a pitched voice yelled, “Mo-o-o-o-o-o-m!” reminding her that her own Mom might soon be calling for her to come in. Yes, it was getting late! She should leave this winter day to itself and take a shower. As she slowly walked back to the house, the darkness crept ever nearer. It was the end of another beautiful winter day.

The sunset pictures are taken by an amazing photographer, Elisabeth.