Autumn Leaves

There is an old song which comes into my mind every October or November. It was one my mother’s favorites. That song is entitled “Autumn Leaves.” It begins: “The falling leaves drift by my window, The falling leaves of red and gold.”

¶ That is exactly what is happening right now in this part of the world. My driveway is completely covered with leaves from the ash tree and there are many more waiting to fall. My neighbor’s tree is one of those producing brilliant red leaves. They are starting to change and it won’t be long before it is stunning. One of the delights of the season is the cooler weather and the chance to take walks through the rustling leaves. It’s a beautiful season. ¶ It is not often that one can anxiously await the next issue of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. As a newspaper it is wonderful for enabling naps or starting fires in appropriate places. Recently, however, we look for news of the next scandal to involve our fair city or state. ¶ As it was reported this week, Sioux Falls is one of the largest tax havens. Billions of dollars are sequestered in trust accounts right here in river city. The Cayman Islands, Switzerland, or some other far away location usually are the places where the wealthy hide their money. Sioux Falls ranks right up there with the exotica of the world. Who knew?

¶ There is always a juicy tidbit or two coming forth from our state capitol concerning the governor or the attorney general or someone else involved in the government of the state. Currently our governor, who just received her bachelor’s degree in recent history, is on a campaign to dictate the kinds of student services provided at our state schools. She wants to wipe out Diversity Centers because she fears they are spreading information that is not far right-wing enough politically.

¶ What’s next? Who knows? There will be something, guaranteed. When the state government is ranked as one of the most corrupt in the nation we just have to wait for the next shoe to fall. ¶ Having this week off from chemo is almost like a vacation. I’ve felt well and have had some time to enjoy some freedom of choice in my tasks of the week. ¶ There is a neighborhood cat who is given the freedom to roam. This is never a good idea. Cars on the street and cats crossing same is an item of concern. Said cat did pay a visit to our deck yesterday. It was not greeted kindly by Sophia. Growls caused the interloper to leave. Sophia ran from door to window to door to make sure her property was safe. It was some time before she could resume her nap and feel secure. ¶ Thanks for reading, for thinking about me, for praying and for all you do for others. I’ll be traveling towards the end of next week but hopefully will post the adventures next Saturday.