The redbud trees haven't been pink (like they are in the photo) since spring. Now they are fully greened out with their heart-shaped leaves, which will soon be yellow for fall. Seed pods hang on them heavily. The late summer weather is gorgeous, spectacular. Some of the other things I like about Indiana this time of year are:
Petrified Frogs. Have you ever seen a thoroughly dried-up dead frog around a lake house shed or garage? If you have, in say, Indiana or Illinois, then I would consider you a true laker. For those of you who have not, it looks like a little frog skeleton, and the smaller the frog, the thinner the dried skin on it - they're completely dried out and charming. Most are frozen in typical frog-squat posture, but sometimes I've found them one leg outstretched and the other bent to knee, so to say. Or other variations - and I had collected these in childhood. Perhaps they hop in garage doors left open, and become trapped, and dehydrate. Now the frogs we've been finding recently are larger species - not something I want to squirrel away in my closet. But if anybody wants to lose a bet around my house, they may be challenged to chew up and swallow the dried frog.
County Road 68, northern Allen County. It goes without saying, but if the conditions are horrific, such as the congestion and smog that's part of commuting in Los Angeles, then the driving is no fun. But when one is driving on a beautiful country road, through farm fields, stands of tall trees, past horses and cows and lovely clouds, then the drive is just heaven. There is an east-west road in northern Allen County Indiana that you share with the occasional farm vehicle or motorcycle, but usually it's just you and the road, rising and falling, sighting the occasional deer. Or frog, or turtle, or woolly caterpillar, or raccoon family. Definitely watch out for the deer. You'll see me there, driving in my dreams.
You pass people tending their flowers. Fountains aerating country ponds. Walkers so in 'the zone' they don't bother to edge much over down the road. It's all peaceful and serene, a time for confiding and chatting in the car, or simply listening to the radio in silence. Sometimes sunsets or sunrises, then sunglasses and visors needed. Brilliant colors, trees showing the back of their leaves in a breeze. To be an American, and have one's own car to zip down the road - what great expression of freedom, what luxury.
West Central Neighborhood Home Tours. Fort Wayne's arts community is drawn to this downtown area with its historic homes. Many of the hundred-plus year old homes have been renovated over the years, and people have outdoor parties in their gardens. Some 2000 attend and walk through the homes featured on the tour. Tickets are $12 in advance and the hours are 11 - 5 Sat. and Sun. Check out the houses featured this year and the other events scheduled at www.westcentralneighborhood.org.
The Grabill Country Fair. This is a hokey event, but I will say the kids get a chance to decorate a float and ride in a parade, and somehow that right there is really a big deal. You see one crazy slice of life in these small town parades. It kind of leaves me speechless. You'll just have to go see for yourself at 10 a.m., Saturday morning, September 11, 2010 - Patriot Day. Lots of booths with junk for sale and junk food Friday night and Saturday. Watch out for yellow jackets going after sugar. In amish Grabill, Indiana.
That's enough for today. See you on the flip side. And the more that I think about it, breakfast in Grabill might not be that bad.
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