Summer Sunday Morning

Coffee or tea is always best enjoyed on the porch. There seems to be no rush to the morning, when you start that way. Whether there is a chair, rocker, bench, swing or simply stairs to sit upon, welcoming the morning outside may be one of the best ways to relax, next to petting a cat or dog. Unfortunately, not every day can start with a leisurely cup of coffee on the porch, but they should.

Listen closely. Can you hear the robin, jay and cardinal greet the morning? The combined solo songs lifted toward the heavens in seeming thankfulness for living yet another day. A mockingbird perched high atop the electric pole echoes in imitation. Lingering in the background are the spoilers; the ever-present sounds of vehicle traffic on the highway and locomotive engines switching tracks at the marshaling yard.

There is no sign of rain this day. A brilliant, inviting sun is rising just over the mountaintop. Wisps of clouds and contrails are all that stain the azure sky. The morning sun is warm and loving, gently urging the day onward. The sun is in no hurry. He has all day to complete his task.

The air is nearly still, bearing just enough movement to flex the spider’s web, some still harboring the meals left-over from the night.. The glistening dew on the web showcases the intricacies of the arachnid’s work. If pride can be felt by the spider, this must be a wonderful day for them, also.

The frogless frog-pond in the front yard sports a mix of vegetation, some showing off their finery. The golden moss is in bloom, a bright sunny yellow. A white water lilly begins to open her petals to the sun. A stray cat helps herself to a drink, now that she’s finished her borrowed breakfast off the back porch. She will wander back across the tracks to spend her day.

The roses have bloomed and need dead-headed again. The oldest one, an unknown variety, has a fragrance that would challenge any French perfume manufacturer. When in bloom the aroma can travel on the wind to several houses. The others, beautiful as they are, stand scentless. Roses, in whites, pinks and reds, all giving pleasure to the eye, but not to the nose. Hybrid tea roses, so the tags said. The rose of that name does not smell so sweet.

The butterfly bushes are about to bloom. One will bloom yellow, the other lavender. Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees will soon be stopping by to top off on their way home. Their presence provides more evidence that the cold, painful days of winter have passed and that, for a time, the warmth of summer has come.

The neighbor’s car-stereo breaks the trance. Breakfast chores must now begin; the family will be waking and will be hungry. It will be time to leave for Sunday School before too long. Then will come lunch, lunch dishes, supper, supper dishes and getting ready for the following workday. Even on a day of rest there is work to be done.