The next time I’d need provisions, by my calculation, likely would fall in the middle of the Independence Day weekend. We have tourists in the area now, RVers and campers and cabin-renting outdoorsy types, all of whom shop the same grocers the rest of us do.
Flippin and Gassville, as far as the small towns go, probably see more of that traffic than Yellville does. Regardless, I had questions on the table — stretch what I have and wait ’til Tuesday? Or do a fill-in trip yesterday?
After checking my finances, I decided to make a short run before the weekend.
The dirt road I live on more or less dictates a deliberate pace. I drive even slower than my neighbors do, I think, but it has nothing to do with the rough and rutted surface — I want to actually see, to give myself a chance to take in my surroundings.
Slowing down is essential to being present.
It creates more opportunities to spot critters, of course. Sometimes, though, like yesterday morning, it’s about light and shadow, angle and perspective.
I didn’t see any wildlife (other than rabbits and indecisive squirrels) yesterday until I was on the paved county road, at the far west end where it meets the state highway. A whitetail jumped out from the woods on the left side of the road and, after making it safely across, turned and looked back in the direction from which she came.
I came to a stop and waited. And I smiled, because she was illustrating Rule #1 for driving in deer country: There’s always at least one more.
It took a minute or so, but sure enough, another doe emerged and sauntered across the county road.
My time in town was uneventful yet productive. I even shopped Dollar General, which I don’t do often but should — there’s money to be saved.
When I talked several days ago about re-using Claussen brine after the pickles are gone, I realized that it’s been a while since I’ve updated y’all on another kitchen concoction.
It was in early December that I sat down at the picnic table and made two pint jars of garlic honey. I later consolidated the batch into a single quart jar, which sat on the galley counter in the camper until I moved into the cabin.
Its new home is on the shelf above the microwave. It’s doing fine, too — pungent and still active, though fermentation has slowed considerably. I probably should add more garlic and honey.
Today is our Independence Day holiday. I expect to mark it this morning the way I always do, by reading the Declaration of Independence — out loud.
Otherwise, for me it’ll be just another day.
No crowds. No guests. No mess. No fireworks. No toiling over a stock pot of bratwurst. No choking on fumes from traffic on the street in front of my home. No thuglets patrolling the sidewalk, looking for a mark or a score.
Those days are behind me, forever and for good. I’ll keep to myself today and bask in the peace.
The handful of woodland sunflowers (Helianthus divaricatus) I first noticed a few weeks back has become a substantial patch of color next to the driveway.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable