Pueblo Citywmn

The signs have been posted. The streets have been cleaned. The grass has been cut. The weeds have been trimmed. The flowers have been watered. The trash has been picked up. The stores have been stocked. The quilts have been hung. The Ferris wheel has been tested.

The trees have been polished. The sheep have been fluffed. The rain clouds have been moved. The bears have been relocated. The escaped shopping carts have been detained. The gas prices have been raised. The moon has been eclipsed.

We’re ready! 

This summer I’ve been hosting an open bar in my backyard. Eager for the free samples, patrons flocked in! And now, the Monarch Butterfly surveys* are in and their tasting notes have been organized.

The Butterflies, by a large majority, preferred the Cosmos flowers. “Nice balance of sweet and citrus. Instant energy punch. Rich, buttery sugar with lingering creamy texture. Easy proboscis draw. Intoxicating, like butterscotch. Welcoming petals. Exhilarating but gentle sway on thin stems adds excitement. Inviting shades of yellow complement my wings.”

Other Monarchs enjoyed the Zinnias’ boldness and variety of colors. “Bold flavor profiles. Protein punch is a strong nutritional choice. Warm fade. Steady perch on sturdy stems. Requires strong proboscis pull. Fruity afternote. Zesty. Easy cluster travel. Good height. Open petals for easy access.”

Coming in third, the smaller, tighter blossoms of the Marigolds were avoided by most although a few thirsty Monarchs did try them. “Landing petals were too small for a good perch. Too compact. Not welcoming. Too much proboscis work.”

*Non-scientific survey

After chatting for a bit with my plumber while he looked at my copper bathtub valves, I discovered that 1. the valves were about 60 years old and 2. he knows Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

Actually, he knows somebody who knows somebody who probably knows somebody who knows Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. And now I’m on that chain as someone who knows someone, etc. That’s a solid connection chain as far as I’m concerned.

…and 3. it might be a good idea to turn off your swamp cooler if the main water valve is shut off.

A pair of Litter-Pickers were out one morning this week. Both Pickers were wearing sun hats and summer tops and carrying long grabber pick-up poles. One Picker was swinging a half-full plastic bag in her right hand.

Suddenly one of the Pickers veered over and crossed to the other side of the street. “Oh, no,” I thought. “They found litter on my street!” But, no, after a close look at whatever caught her eye, she rejoined her companion, and they continued chatting as they unhurriedly went on their way.

No work for the Litter-Pickers on my street!

“SIT!” says the Dog Bone Bench at City Park.

Whether it’s a set of iron steps zig-zagging down a building,

Or an open mountain road heading east,

It’s always good to have a fire escape plan.