The Refreshing Drink

   When I worked on building Pebble Creek and Puddle Pond, it was my intentions to make something pretty out of an eyesore.  Where the water drains from the rooftop, a trench was being washed creating a huge mess.  The trench was widened and filled with gravel.  Puddle Pond was dug, lined and filled with plants.  The idea of using a recirculating pump from Puddle Pond to the upper portion of Pebble Creek would provide a soothing sound to the Small Gardens.  I was working on the fountain part back around the first of July when my age caught up with me.  The body refused to go any further.  That led to my being confined to the Small Gardens, my "queendom" over the gardens and a long recovery period.  Pebble Creek and Puddle Pond were nigh on complete so my recovery was, at least, somewhat enjoyable.

  It was not until later that I noticed the water level in Puddle Pond was decreasing every day.  Something was amiss!  Thinking there was a leak somewhere, I was highly disappointed that my work had been in vain.  Not being able to tend to the problem at the time, I merely added water each day and hoped for the best. It would have to stay in sad shape until I was mended.

  Well, that was not the case.  Instead of a leak causing low water levels, the water was being lapped up by my critter friends!  By day, birds and squirrels come to visit.   By night, raccoons, fox and deer take cool drinks.  Footprints proved that many animals were appreciative of my efforts.

  I still have to add water each day but, instead of being saddened, I am elated.  The work put into the making of Pebble Creek and Puddle Pond have become far more rewarding since I know my critter friends feel safe enough to come for a drink.  The project is a success!

The Troubling Secret

  At daybreak, I eased my way to the pier just to calm the brain after yet another sleep-interrupted night.  Mr. PJ (the old dog) has some serious problems that seem to be worse at night.  I deal with it the best I can but there are times that I have to escape.  The pier is the one place that I can find solace.  This morning, however, that peacefulness was just a facade for what the water truly hides.  Beneath those calm waters, hides a misery for so many folks here on the Coast.  With the recent opening of the Bonnet Carre spillways (second opening this year which is unprecedented), things are bad...really bad for the waters.

  The fresh/flood waters from the north brings a lot of problems for those down south.  It is those chemical laden waters that have created a near death situation for the Gulf of Mexico.  While the spillways are meant to protect, they are, in a sense, the root of the problem.  Farm runoff and lower salinity equals dead marine life, algae blooms and flesh-eating bacteria. The fishermen whose lives depend on a healthy Gulf, have taken a cruel blow.  The waters are unsafe. The seafood is unsafe. The beaches are unsafe. What was meant to protect has done just the opposite.  

  My calm waters of the Bayou hide a troubling secret.  What I intended to refresh the soul has done nothing more than cause a troubled mind.  When will this ever end???