Thursday, January 05, 2006

At A Glance

OK, so now I have the long drive to work each day - started it late last week. My route goes more or less over the river and through the woods. Or through the woods and through the woods, with a quick view of an occasional stream or lake thrown in.

There isn't a whole lot of traffic on my commute, but since the roads have only one lane in each direction, I can be slowed down or brought to a stop by a single lollygagging driver. It happens.

I pass by my share of flora and fauna along the way. I see sheep each day. I often see deer, and occasionally turkeys. Groundhogs pop up now and then, and the odd turtle crosses my path. I always feel sad about the dead things I pass. I never seem to become hardened to the sight.

One day last week I passed a beautiful raccoon, which was preparing to cross the street. He (I presume it was a he, for no good reason) waited for me to pass, and he hesitated again as a car came from the other direction. He crossed safely, thank goodness. His legs were ink-dipped, as was his mask. He wore a thick winter coat, with a ruff to rival a lion's around his neck. He was remarkable, even at a glance.

This morning I saw an older guy with a long, white, mountain-man beard, dressed in a barn jacket with big, bold, black and red checks on it. He was by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. He was digging a tiny hole with a short, narrow shovel - the width of those used by electricians to dig trenches. I can't see any logical reason for someone to be digging a hole in this particular spot, but I'm sure he knew what he was doing.

I wish that I could have stopped to observe for awhile, or could have driven by again a few minutes later, but I had to press on. I'd love to know why he was digging. Was he a modern-day pirate digging for a lost cache of treasure? Hoping to transplant a scrub pine into his garden at home? Taking soil samples for a scientific study? Who knows. Just another vignette seen at a glance on my way to work. At least the drive has its compensations.

7 comments:

Virginia Gal said...

oh I was afraid this story was going to turn to this guy was digging a hole for the raccoon, cause someone hit him. (breath sigh of relief) glad that didn't happen.
Your ride sounds much nicer than mine, sitting on 95 for half an hour and than another half an hour getting from my exit to home, a zillion lights in between. URGH!!

Anonymous said...

I admire you for making that drive! I hate 95.

missmagnoliathunderpussy said...

Darling, It was Little Moi, in disguise as a rural Lesbian, I was just disposing of a current husband, #796 if I'm not mistaken.

Merci said...

Oh, Magnolia, you make me laugh and laugh.

It would have taken quite awhile to #796 with that teeny shovel!

A very warm welcome to the Room.

missmagnoliathunderpussy said...

Why thank you darling, a little bird told me about your place (actually a vulture from New Jersey), It's just enchanting, I just adore your Fainting Couch, such a gay and festive fabric!

Darling, when men need to be disposed of (and they usually do), small impliments are not a deterent. Between you and I dear, come closer, I'll whisper, aren't small impliments the reason we usually get rid of the beasts!

Merci said...

OK, now my mascara is running!

I saw shovel at an auto supply store today (was forced against my will to go in) with a handle that telescopes to make it easier to store in the car. Could be quite useful.

Merci said...

oops... I saw A shovel...