By now I think our followers have figured out that Eddie and I like being outside. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is. There are always things happening outside. Our feeties will get cold sometimes in the winter when there is snow on the ground and it is bitter, bitter cold. Otherwise, we like it outside. Mister Tom talks to us on our excursions. When there are critters around he tells us about the critters. We know to look to the trees when he says “squirrel.” We know when he says “bunnies” that they stay put on the ground so we go look in their usual hiding places. My favorite bird critters are my crow buddies. When I hear them outside I look around to see if I can spot them. I tilt my head to one side when the crows make their “caw, caw” sound. Just in my neighborhood there is a red-tailed hawk that sometimes sits on the railing by the front door. The Great Horned Owl lives nearby, too. Possums and raccoons and skunks live around here. Mister Tom says we do not want to meet the skunk. Coyotes live in the neighborhood. When the coyotes are out and about in the middle of the night I make sure I wake up Mister Tom to let him know. He always thanks me for being such a good watch dog.

LATE AUTUMN (Copyright 2013 by Buster J. Brown)

Leaves are gone, grass is brown,
You’d think adventures would dwindle down.

Dreary, drizzly, damp and cold,
What enjoyment awaits this canine bold?

Yet in these last gray days of autumn,
Excitement looms around the corner.

Rabbits sheltered ‘gainst wind’s chill,
Now and then emerge they will.

And birds still flit from bush to tree,
They’re my pals, the chick-a-dees.

Migrating geese overnight in my field,
They congregate, stoic and steeled.

Early morning hear the Great Horned Owl,
I keep alert for coyotes on prowl.

Excursions to my yard ne’er some boring drill,
Being outside always brings a thrill.