A walk on the wild-side.

[Kitosdad]

As I set off on my afternoon walk in the countryside, before me stretches a rain-bowed trail of fallen Autumn leaves.
Yesterday's rain had turned them into a watery pulp, but the new-fallen leaves of today have re-established their dominance over the wet track.

The trees,only recently aglow with their greenery, now begin to appear threadbare, and what leaves remain have lost their Summer green.
The nests of the birds, once well concealed by the thick foliage, are now visible to all.

Only the Magpies, secure in their lofty homes, are confident enough to face the scarcity of food that Winter will inevitably bring.
The last of the Summer fledglings have now flown to pastures new, and along with the Magpies only the Owl remains to scavenge a frugal existence that the land will provide.

Even the ever-present Robin will be rarely seen as the first flakes of snow begin to appear.

The agile restless squirrels are scurrying to and fro, secreting their Winter hoards of food in places known only to them.

A new season brings a new picture to the eyes of frequent travellers of my walks.
We see the changes that each season brings,and we welcome each one for the new story each tells.

Soon the first frost of Winter will make its presence felt.
The small, furry, vulnerable animals will have to put their lives at risk by searching for food in the open fields.
Many will meet their end in doing so, for the Owl and the domestic Cat are always on the prowl in the darkness of night.

But Autumn and Winter with their watery sun, both bring a promise of good times ahead, for both the trees and the little animals that abound in our countryside.

We pay scant attention to the beauty that surrounds us, and I'm sorry for folk who live in the cities, for they miss so very much of the wonders that this earth of ours provides.

Kitos.
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Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[SkiIucK]

Couldn't agree more, Bill. Perfectly said.

[Kitosdad]

Good morning Ski, we need only to open our eyes to see all of the wonderful sights that God has bestowed upon our lands.

We are all too busy scurrying from place to place to really pay attention.

The office workers, who talk about a robin that graced the window of their office this morning, would not believe the many things that can be enjoyed in a simple hours walk in the countryside, but they have far more "important" things to occupy their spare time.

I never thought that I would one day welcome being retired, but I was so very wrong, for today, apart from being almost destitute, I have found more satisfaction and contentment in my life than I ever thought possible.

Kitos.
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Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[SkiIucK]

It is so sad that people have to go through the complicated to eventually reach the simple. Because it is indeed very simple.

I am very happy for your success in finally finding what truly matters. :)

Believe it or not, I, too, dream of living in the countryside, tilling my garden, loafing about the beauties that Mother nature provides. You know what I'm on about. :)

Best regards,

Ski

[Foah]

wow, good to see that there are other ppl noting that mother nature´s treasures will remain more eternal than bank accounts as we could see quite recently and will continue experiencing next.

I, myself, already live in the countryside and like walks in a forrest where even roes cross your way and in case you´ll stay silent they sometimes stand still in the middle of a way and dare have a look onto the walker before they decide to keep following their track. Believe me, facing them, just in a short distance - thinking you might touch them albeit being aware they would escape if you did - are really impressive moments.

regards

Michael
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"Ho ho!" said the clown