Farewell, Patio

                Toby and Finnegan are pretty upset with me, but I couldn’t put it off any longer.  The patio swing and its comfy cushions are now packed away in the shed.  The weather forecast calls for snow soon and let’s face it—it’s mid-November in South Dakota--autumn’s honeymoon is long past and winter is ready to set up house. 

The patio swing is the best seat in the yard

                The swing is the favorite spot for summer catnaps, at least for Toby and Finn.  The others are a little skittish about jumping on and off because it sways wildly when they do, but for those willing to wait out the ride, the cushions are thick and it’s shady and dry under the gazebo roof.  About 80% of the time they are outdoors, we can peek out the kitchen window and find them on the swing.  Of course, as soon as the door opens to call them in, the swing’s occupation rate drops to about 5%.  You can still tell cats had been there because their exit starts it moving.

                I'm sad to see the swing put away too.  Rain or shine, it is a perfect spot to sit, read, write or just enjoy the garden.  Winter must be enjoyed in other ways—either looking out from inside a toasty house or with enough outside activity to keep warm.  For now, basking in the peace of nature will take place in very short sessions.

                I wonder if animals understand that it’s just temporary?  That seasons are always changing and the swing will return?  I hope they do—it makes the winter easier knowing that in the blink of an eye, we’ll again be watching the buds burst from branches and the song birds return as we swing back and forth on the patio.