Autumn Goodbyes

 

“Time remorselessly rambles down the corridors and streets of our lives. but it is not until autumn that most of us become aware that our tickets are stamped with a terminal destination.”

 
~Joe L. Wheeler 

 

The Peking duck on the left is Kenny, and the duck on the right is named Gini, since we didn't know their names, we decided one day, to add a little extra fun to their personalities. They were the cutest couple in the neighborhood, and they made everyone happy with their love story. I looked for them almost every day as we would rode along Smith Canal. Most of the time they could be found sitting together along the banks of the water, or under a tree, but in the warn summer months they would float along in the water, always where they could be seem. They lived in the neighborhood for years, so it made it a much bigger blow to learn the Kenny was killed... actually I call it murder... on October 30th. The driver of the car didn't even stop to see if Kenny was alive or dead, they just continued on their way.

 

I am done with where I live. Stockton doesn't give a shit about themselves or others. 

 

*Here is the list of why I am done.

 

*Shootouts with police, practically under my window.

 

*Gun fire almost daily.

 

* Red light runners can be seen daily.

 

*Folks dumping their garbage wherever they want.

 

*Mail being stolen.

 

*Speeding drivers.

 

*Unexplained loud explosions, that shake windows. 

 

*Folks dumping unwanted, unloved pets in Lewis Park... constantly. 

 

*Stockton is rated D+ for overall crime.

 

*Homeless dumpster driving in my condo lot.

 

*My car was totaled, right in front of my home, 2.5 weeks after I moved in!

 And the driver just kept going! 

 

*One time someone dumped a drum of oil in the canal, despite knowing that there is fish, assorted ducks, and wildlife right there. 

 

There is more, but you get the idea. 

 

Gini the duck will now live the rest of her life without her mate. The canal was beautiful on October 30th, but somehow it will never be as beautiful ever again. How long will she live without her mate to watch over here? Kenny was very protective of his girl. Ducks do grieve, but there is a little bit of hope, you see, there is a lady in the neighborhood who leaves a bowl of food out for them daily. She loves them very much! I think she witnessed Kenny's death, in that she covered up the "Duck Crossing" sign that she had placed, with the sign you see below...

 

 I couldn't say it better. 

 

So that's it. I'm done! I am planning to leave this place, sometime this next winter or spring. We need to do some small repairs, painting, and then will come the packing. At that point, UGH, it's time to contact a realtor, or two. We are hoping to move out of San Joaquin county completely, so that may require two of them. I hate realtors. Every one I have had has been miserable to deal with. I hate them! But the last one I worked with, to purchase this condo, was less of a pain in the ass as the others, so hopefully I will find another one like that.

 

On most autumn and winter mornings I can hear the Canada geese fly over, sometimes in large flocks. A year ago, on the first day of autumn, Sandhill crane circled the house. The sky was gorgeous day. A bluer than blue sky, and the autumn sun bathing everything in it's golden color, and that sound of crane making life just about perfect. Things will never be perfect again, without Kenny. Ever right now, as I type this, I can hear someone racing their car down the street. One day a child is going to be hit, and the driver more than likely stop. 

 

I don't want to be here to see that happen.

 

Rest in Peace dear Kenny, I will never forget you. You were a really great duck!