Omen

I dreamed of a big black bird

Hovering o’er the trees,

And when I woke, I wondered

If it had been an omen,

For long ago I’d heard

That a big black bird in dreams

Means one’s about to blunder–

Especially with a woman.

It’s true: I’d made a date

With a woman I’d just met

But I swear on my life

That it went against my heart,

And yet it’s not too late

To call it all off yet–

For I promised my late wife

That till death do us part.

–Photo by me

Bog

Well, it was shaping up to be a nice day, and I needed to burn off more blubber, so Aaron and I headed out to Big Bog (about 50 miles from home) for the first time this year.

It’s a long mile to the other end and a longer mile back. I had a little trouble making it last year, but I’ve been sober for 17 months and my health is always improving.

After you get a little way into the bog, it starts to feel other-worldly, like you’re not in Kansas anymore. I’m almost expecting to run into a rusted tinman or a cowardly lion ahead. Is that Emerald City?

There’s benches (fortunately) and signs along the walkway. This one shows how 10,000 years ago, Lake Superior was dwarfed in size next to Lake Agassis, which covered a large part of Canada and Minnesota. The bog itself is situated between Red Lake and the Canadian Border.

On the last stretch of the way back, I realized we hadn’t seen any of the bright red, carnivorous pitcher plants we’d seen last year. I guess it must be too early yet, but it was a great walk, anyway. We’ll be going back in a few weeks to check it out. Have a great day!!

–Photos by me