The “old people” used to say “where there is smoke, there is fire.” They said this often, when something seemed obvious, hoping we kids would learn the art of deducting facts and making conclusions. This old saying can be taken literally, as well-and I can prove it.
Yesterday, I came home and went right to work at the rabbit patch. I put a chicken on to roast, with turnips heaped around it and started some peas on the stove. I started some laundry and decided to clean the car out while the appliances were put to good use. The cold wind on Sunday, had all but eliminated the leaves in the big yard. Somehow a few mounds lay here and there as if intentional. I decided to burn a bit of them in the garden, while I was dusting the car out.
The sun was already casting slanted rays and just before slipping below the trees at the back of the field. There wasn’t a bit of wind and I looked up to take note of the peace that evening affords. I thought the light seemed odd. It seemed to flicker. . . and then I smelled smoke. Behind a small barn, where the garden used to grow, light was jumping about. I dashed around the barn as best I could to find the garden on fire. There was spitting and hissing-and Cash took to racing around and around, almost knocking Christopher Robin sideways. Christopher Robin took refuge on the garden bench and watched the whole affair with a very judgmental air about him. Moon Shine fled like the devil himself was after him. I thought to wet the perimeter of the garden, but the water hose was hiding in the shadows between two other barns. Kyle drove up just about this time. He rushed to the crime scene, stricken with panic and yelled out about how foolish I was to undertake the task of burning the garden alone. Christopher Robin seemed to take his side, perching all high and mighty on the garden bench, waiting for my explanation.
Kyle is a handy person and he was as good as anybody to show up. He took over, and when I remembered supper and ran to the house yelling “chicken!”, he was not phased. Supper was saved and as it turns out creamed turnips are as good as I had heard they were.
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I could totally picture you dashing about and Moon Shine hissing.
I maybe should not have laughed but I have been in your shoes! That moment of panic, where your heart kind of thunks and you think, “oh crap!”
I am glad supper was saved and nothing vital was burned.
I have never tried turnips…..something else I need to try :).
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the fire was hissing and snapping-sounded wicked. Moon Shine was long gone! It really surprised me, as the ground was damp, too. It is funny looking back on Kyle’s face with the fire and then me running screaming “chicken! ” Turnips are a root crop-white, creamier than a potato, cooks faster-alittle earthy in taste. Old school south-but making a come-back. The UK friends eat them often. Thank you my dear one! PS- I SHOULD have said “crap” hahaha!
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LOL on “crap”. I may have actually said something else…….
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that’s what I meant about myself! haha!
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Fire is such a scary thing, isn’t it? And those split-seconds where you just seem to freeze whilst you wonder what on earth to do! Glad no harm was done!
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Alls well that ends well. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with many reasons, large and small, to give thanks.
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You show up faithfully and always with kindness. I so appreciate that . Happy Thanksgiving to you! and thank you so much.
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So glad you’re okay! Happy Thanksgiving!
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How scary! But I’m glad that it ended well. It’s amazing how quickly fire can spread at times!
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It was a shock as I burn so often and for many years! The ground was damp too! Oh well-it all passed and I am grateful it wasn’t worse! and for supper too! haha! hank you so much.
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Yes, usually burning leaves goes just fine! Who knew? But I’m glad supper was good!
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