HOW HIGH DOES THE EAGLE FLY?

On a cold, bleak day in early January, I was invited by a friend to go to Clarksville, Mo. considered the "Eagle Watching Capital of the Midwest."  We took a road known as the Little
Dixie Highway which runs along the Mississippi.*

As we watched for eagles, we passed the River's rich bottom land, now converted into well kept farms, with a large sign proclaiming, "This is a Flood Plane.  IT WILL FLOOD when the river does!"

Though I spotted a falcon perched high on a tree branch, unfortunately, we were either too early or late in the day to see the eagles. We did see the locks that catch debris, and ice before the river carries them into St. Louis.

We strolled through Clarksville as though it were a summer day. We visited a few shops that were opened.  We found a restaurant and bar which was opened. We went inside. A few men were at the bar who appeared less than friendly to strangers.

I was intrigued by other people and children who were there. I wondered how much did they know about the creatures, the environment, the climate and the laws and regulations protecting them, their communities and the state of Missouri. It would not have surprised me that people who live such independent, isolated lives thought a weapon is a necessity.                              

The merchants whose shops we did visit were friendly and lived in Clarksville the year around. They appeared anxious to talk with us about some of the interesting things they had for sale.

During our most recent national election, I thought a lot about the people of Clarksville and the Eagles and how well they seem to be able overcome the harshness of their environment while working toward their survival.

Maybe as citizens we  need to overcome our fear of each other and learn to work together toward the future as do the people and Eagles of Clarksville.

*More Information:
 clarksvillemo,org/eagledays

JANUARY PLANET*

Earlier this week the planet closed out the day much too warm for January

Promising tomorrow will be more in keeping with the calendar.

While offering a preview of the next act

Behind props of snow and ice and rain

Spring awaits its cue.



*Every once in a while, we will sum up the weather here
and planetary movement in the sky believing that weather
 may be the unifying force in all regions of our country.