Sorry, folks, but I am not ready to end that social distancing or self isolation thing just yet. No, I never feared for my life nor felt that I was going to get some dreaded illness. I just prefer to be alone and away from all of the drama being stirred up and spread around by "Oh, so wonderful people!" Sorry...not sorry. As far as I am concerned, the Bayou is still off-limits. Since I have had plenty of time to do soul-searching and reevaluating, I find I am much happier! This blog is enough social interacting for me. Perhaps I truly am becoming a hermitess...or I am truly just tired of peopling.
Today as I was out investigating what Tropical Storm Cristobal left behind, I had to laugh when I came across a "T". It is quite apparent that this was not some accident that the storm created but rather something that was made by human hands. Why? I have no idea other than perhaps someone was cleaning and did a bit of a balancing act. A cutoff chunk of wood was laid neatly across the top of a stump. Twined partially around it was some sort of aluminum strip. The whole thing made me think of a crude monument perhaps akin to stone balancing! What had I happened upon?
This "T" is in the middle of a small clearing on property next to ours. There is no mysterious tale behind it other than how much it reminds me of me. Here is a somewhat quirky item out in the middle of nowhere that is fully happy (as happy as a tree stump can be) being by itself. It just fit. So much so that I wish my "T" was on our property. Perhaps I should start erecting some bizarre monuments here and there just to confuse anyone traipsing around the place. It could be interesting!
A few years ago, I was introduced to the word "peopling". At that time, it seemed an appropriate term to use when I was fed up with the constant whining that I was having to endure. It was obvious that folks considered whining and complaining to be the equivalent of doing. One day in mid-afternoon, I had become overtaxed by the chore of "peopling" so I headed to my peaceful spot also known as the pier. There, I sought refuge from everyone! Well, that peopling thing is wearing thin on me, once again. I have decided instead of letting the aggravation get the best of me, I should just withdraw, once again. I have and I feel great! This social distancing thing is phenomenal for folks like me who have a great distaste for the drama that others thrive upon. I want no part of it (or them)! Life is better that way. I will stick with the critters of the Bayou as they have no time for whining.
Early this morning, my escape to the pier brought a bit of happiness. It has been several years since I have had an encounter with "The General". This is the name that I had given to the most dominant of the Red-winged Blackbirds that frequent the marsh. The birds nest there and while the females incubate the eggs, the males keep guard. For years, one male ruled the entire flock. He demanded respect from all the underlings and got it. His wing bars were brilliant and quite large. The General wore those epaulets with pride and flashed them whenever he needed to pull rank on the others. The bird grew quite tame and allowed me to visit often. He would strut his stuff for my admiration. We grew to be great friends. Then, the General went missing and I never saw him again. The trips to the pier were always lacking for want of a General.
This morning, a new "man" is in charge. There is a new General! Another male blackbird has earned the rank and is the dominate bird of the territory. This one has the large, showy epaulets of his predecessor. In fact, he seems to be almost identical in appearance and in character of the old General making me think that this is an offspring. The bird allowed me to visit him as I did the old General. I smiled as I realized that a new generation will rule the marshes! I salute you, General! Keep up the good work and follow the path that your predecessor set out for you. You will do well.
That's it. I am done "peopling" for the day and perhaps the rest of the week. I have had enough of the whining, complaining and just downright foolishness of folks. So, I am done peopling. I have had enough of people. When this happens, I turn to my critter friends. It has long been evident that I have more critter friends than I do people friends so it is only natural that I seek refuge with them when I wish to escape from the human drama that fills the world.
The day started with phone call after phone call from folks wanting to fill my head with their craziness, to cry on my shoulder or just whine about whatever was irritating them at the moment. Instead of taking a proactive approach to problems, it seems to be the general consensus that whining is the best route. Nope...never has been...never will be...so shut up. This kept on until about 3pm. During this whole time, I was trying to stain more boards for the living room. The interruptions kept that work at a slow pace. I was getting nowhere fast so I made a hasty retreat to my peaceful place...the pier.
Here, I found myself spilling my gut to the old dog, Mr. PJ. It seems that, although folks find my shoulders big enough to carry their problems, not one cares to listen to mine (which, by the way, is only one and that is people in general.). The dog stared at me with his big, brown eyes and thumped his tail on the pier boards. All was good, until the thumping stopped and I noticed he had drowsed off into dreamland. Well! I guess I am boring, at that! Looking around, I noticed Moe, the heron, had come to hear my story (or grab a handout...most likely) so I continued my woeful tale. The bird listened intently but kept one eye on the bait bucket. Ten minutes later, I felt better, the dog napped peacefully and the heron had his belly full of little mullet. We had each succeeded in doing exactly what was needed.
About that "peopling" thing....a sweet niece came to the Bayou the other day and made mention of the phrase. The word stuck since it was so appropriate for my situation. Not many folks can go days on end without communicating with other people. I cannot go days on end communicating WITH them. I cherish my solitude down here on the Bayou away from the frenetic happenings of the world. I prefer the quiet which could account for my preference of critters over people. They listen, do not give unwanted advice and appreciate whatever is offered but never demand anything. Yep, those are my kinds of friends. So...take it as a warning....I am done peopling for the rest of the week!
