Hey, folks —

Jim is up to his ears with work on the Gazette right now, so asked me to fill in for him today. And I’ve got a few minutes so thought – “Sure. Why not?” Hope you don’t mind.

Farmer Turner dropped by earlier for no particular reason. That’s what folks do around these parts. Stopping by to visit. Just bein’ neighborly, is all.

As usual, we got to talkin’ about the weather. Lately it’s been like riding a seesaw. We seem to go from way above normal one day to way below normal the next. We set a record for both a record all-time high temperature and another record 62-degree temperature drop all in the same day last week. From 80F to 18F. I started the morning in my overalls and ended up wearing three different coats by the end of the day, each one heavier than the one before. I hear the birds down south are flyin’ in circles, not knowing whether to migrate back up north or stay put where they are. They can’t figure it out either, it seems.

Anyway, that’s what Farmer Turner and I were talking about — the weather. I will say, if ever you feel like talking about the weather with someone, just go find yourself a farmer. Farmers love talking about the weather. For them, it’s not just small talk, of course. It’s an important discussion about crop yields, planting schedules, and their very survival. Weather determines a farmer’s livelihood, after all.

Well, I see Aunt Ivy coming up the way, probably coming to trade some cookies for some of the fresh herbs we still have growin’ alongside the cabin. So, I’ll be going now. She may need my help gettin’ to some of the herbs. That, and I don’t want Jim spottin’ her coming and dashin’ out the door to beat me to any fresh cookies.

‘Til next time then.

— Little Red Bear (and Jim!)

If you’d like to spend a little more time in Little Red Bear’s world, Jim has gathered some of the stories and books together on his Author’s Page. You’re always welcome to stop by.