killing frost

This Wednesday at 6 a.m. the outside thermometer registered 12 degrees. I had to scrape ice off windshields. That's a killing frost. Tell that to the Swiss chard still standing unshielded in the garden. Some of my friends don't like the way the Swiss voted on minarets. But you gotta give it to the Swiss for having hardy chard.

Charlotte outside the door

If you leave our house at nightfall, walk straight ahead, don't turn to the left.

Charlotte has been spinning her web each evening. I could get the broom from the kitchen and wipe her out.

This morning a slightly smaller spider had entered my car by the window I had left open. In the close space, my pacifistic feelings were overcome by my survival instincts--it's either you or me.

Off came both my shoes and the splot of protoplasm disappeared in mid-air. I feel no guilt.