In the Nick of Time!

  Ms. Ez, the Bayou Dog and I decided that one last romp around the hillside was in order before darkness enveloped the Bayou.  She was to go down the hill to her "latrine" and, afterwards, I had plans to toss the ball to her.  She has been remarkably patient as I do a deep cleaning of the craft room so I figured a few minutes of play would reward her.  As soon as she was down near the old oak tree, I noticed three tiny figures moving through the mud near the pier.  Ok, this was enough to make me forget that softball.  Ms. Ez was just coming back to the board path so I motioned for her to stay and I headed to the pier.  Three tiny nutria rats were scampering about in the mud.  Aww, they were so cute! And quick! Not one photograph was clear due to their speedy twists and turns!  (And maybe my bad photography skills!)  So I motioned for Ms. Ez to join me on the pier.  Being on the pier seems to be just as much of a treat to her as playing ball. 

  I knew there was a dark cloud behind me when I started my trek down the board path but had no idea just how quickly the weather would change.  In just a matter of a few minutes, the dark storm clouds were overhead and threatening to dump tons of water on my head!  "Come on, Ez!  We've got to get outta here!"  With that, the hike back up the hillside began but at a much faster pace than when we went down!  I picked up the ball where Ez had dropped it and tossed it to the side.  She raced after it and the game was in play!  Three pitches later (tossed as we scurried) and I was at the gate to the Rose Garden.  "Hurry!"  The raindrops had started to splatter against the deck and steps!  Those were the biggest raindrops I have seen in a while!

  Just in the nick of time, Ms. Ez and I made it inside!  As the door closed, the "bottom fell out" as Pop used to say!  A bit of thunder, a bit of lightning, a bit of wind and a whole lot of rain accompanied those dark clouds!  I looked at Ms. Ez.  She sure looked happy to be inside on her comfy bed!  And the rain poured....