PORCH PONDERINGS

Story Ideas

I take a walk every day. It is usually a walk around the block around my neighborhood. I vary it most days. Never the same route twice. I go North one day, South one day. Then I'll veer off and go Northeast or Southwest. I like to see which houses are sold, which are for sale. Say hello to people and dogs.

The other day, however, I had to stop and process what I saw. Now I know my eyes aren't the best anymore. In fact, I know I have to have cataracts repaired soon. But I know what I saw was not a weird vision.

I turned the corner. My friend Pastor Dave lives there. Then there is the house that always has a cluttered yard. And a new addition to their porch - they have two upholstered chairs on it. I have the thought - why would you put indoor furniture outside? I walk on. Then I saw in the next yard some hay next to the garage. And in the hay is a black animal.

'How nice.' I think.'They put out hay for their dogs,' Then the black animal turns its head. This is no dog. It's a calf, a baby cow, a farm animal.

Hmmm. As far as I know, we are not allowed to have farm animals in our town. Granted, you can have 2 chickens with a permit. No roosters, just hens. In a pen. But a cow?

I have to check this out. I note the address and continue my walk. When I get home, I call the city.

"Hi there. I was out walking and saw a cow in the yard at ....street. Are we allowed to have farm animals in town?" Then I had the faint feeling of being a snitch. The evil neighbor that calls about every infraction. But first a cow over there, then a horse or pig next to me.

The city clerk that answered the phone was amused and agreed, "No, we don't allow farm animals in people's yards. We'll send someone over to check that out."

As I hung up the phone I thought, well I am just going to file that incident away in my brain. It sure would make a good story idea someday. You never know when you may need a calf in a backyard in the city.





Queen Norma Jean