My Wise Choice

   This morning, Son was pulling some huge timbers from the stack to use in repairing the pier.  These are salvaged beams that are at least 3 inches by 12 inches by 12 feet long.  My offer to help was met with a strict "No!" as he feels that I should not be hoisting the heavy things.  Instead...he does...by himself.  I stand by idly fretting.  At one point, he let me help measure the next timber so I scrambled across the pile to get a good position.  When he turned back my way, he said "Ummm, be careful.  I did see a young cottonmouth under that board."  Oops!  Well, I was already there so lingering long enough to measure was not going to be a problem.  Returning to my previous position seemed to be a predicament, however.

  Since the snake had slithered in a crevice beneath the board right where I needed to put my foot as I descended the pile, I looked for a different route.  Ok, snake vs spider.  Huge spider.  Gigantic spider!  I chose the spider.  A big-as-my-hand orb weaver hung on her web across my only exit from the pile.  Alrighty then!  Not wanting to disturb the lovely creature, I practically limboed under the web.  At one point, the spider was about four inches from my face.  The spider and I were eye to eye!  I think we either became lifelong friends or mortal enemies, at that point.  She stayed perfectly still and did not do the usual web bouncing thing to scare me.  I kept moving.  Once I had my head and shoulders under the web, I was in pretty good shape.  Whew!  Well, now!  I felt pretty awesome at my maneuverability!  Not bad for an old lady!  At least, I did not step on the cottonmouth that was probably in hysterics at my attempt to avoid it.

 By the time I vacated the lumber pile, Son had the timbers ready to haul to the pier.  He did this with a makeshift cart and muscle-power!  His cart even allowed him to push the large boards all the way to the part of the pier where he was working.  I merely followed and chattered about the lovely spider and my wise choice!