Once a word has been spoken, ya just can't take it back. Someone in the community said that terrible four letter word that strikes fear into the hearts of lesser men.

Snow!

Yup, there it is again, the dreaded word that brings images of hard times to mind. No sooner had the word been spoken than the fuel oil man came to the door asking if we need some heating oil. It's only $2.76 a gallon this year. I nearly choked on my oatmeal.

The day before yesterday I had all of these warm fuzzy feelings for the birds and bought some seeds for them. If they'd have known about the price of oil, they'd have taken up a collection for me.

My birthday is coming up in a week and I have visions of a large birthday cake with huge numbers of brightly burning candles. Everyone will be singing while they hold their hands to the flames, attempting to warm their frozen hands. We'll be keeping the temperature in the house just above the point where the pipes freeze.

My darling wife starts her new job as secretary for "Peace River Books" on Monday. I had visions of her bringing me many cups of coffee during the day. Now she will be coming to the office wearing her snowmobile suit and boots. She'll still look good though.

Taping for the new TV show "American Rivers" has been a bit trying. The sun bouncing off my shiney head has given the camera man fits. They decided to cover it up with a hat, but it still sparkles brightly. Someone once told me that God only made just so many perfect heads and the rest he covered with hair. hmmm

Well, time to get busy. I've got to hitch up Jack & Topsey and head into the woods for firewood. I'm not going to buy any more oil than I absolutely have to.

And so from the land of tall pines and tall tales, I wish you well.

Ron
www.ronshepherd.com