The Neighbors Send Flowers

You shall love your neighbour
With your crooked heart,

It says so much about love and brokenness -- it's perfect.

~ John Green, Looking for Alaska

A long trip through the neighborhood was attempted and thwarted this morning. Zelda tried to turn off to the small neighborhood park, but we continued on down the street - past the woman and her bike (she celebrates holidays and changing seasons). She waved her flag for Memorial Day. Another home had a flag display as well.

Memorial day to the 4th?

But we were forced to turn back by two dobermans wandering off-leash in their yard. Zelda always wants to join dogs (and children) in play, but - not knowing them - I refused. Our caution was rewarded by a close-up view of the snag where the woodpeckers nest (or so we believe) and by many blossoms shared by our neighbors. Each hike is a bouquet.

It's a grand old flag.

The woodpeckers' nest?

A katydid.

Senisa blooms.

Something was snacking on the sunflower.

But the next flower was perfect.

r

Even at the abandoned house there are Rose of Sharon blooming.

We surprised a neighbor's cat who took shelter behind a wood pile. Do you see the kitty?

It watched us as we walked by - thinking itself invisible.