“I am not normally so clumsy,” the speaker continues. Christina points at a WEDGE shaped rock that was hiding an uneven spot in the soft earth. “I think this is the culprit,” she says. “Do you feel steady enough now?” “Yes, thank you.” The speaker pauses, then “would you be willing to help me over to my car? I am afraid my age makes it hard for me to ADAPT to this uneven ground.” Christina agrees. As they walk together to the elegant vehicle parked just beyond the churchyard gate, Christina resists the urge to make small talk. She hopes to be rewarded with a tale or at least an explanation. What she did not expect was to be BOUND to Ainsley Beaton (for that was this marvelous apparition’s name). It all began with Christina admitting that she was an interloper and did not even know the deceased’s name. Ainsley laughed, “Well, the Major would have liked that. He liked the unexpected and would have enjoyed having strangers at his internment. His family was always acting DULLY and boringly.” Now at the car, a smartly dressed driver came round and opened the backseat. Ainsley offers Christina a ride, which she is happy to accept. Climbing in next to Ainsley, Christina is struck by two things. First, a crest that is sewn onto the upholstery of the car. It appears to be from a DUCHY something or other. Second, there is a very dirty DUMMY on the floor, the sort that is used to train hunting dogs, specifically retrievers.

Georg’ann

In the morning meditations
on land and lineage. Followed
by gentle yoga for opening
or restoration. In the evening
SHARE playful yoga for kids.
Energized stretches, winding
like a CLOCK. Tic Tock.
Blow out MINTY fire breath.
Ride a BUMPY rollercoaster
hands in the air. Scary!
Curl up, hide in your shell.
Rest of the day be kind.
Never call anyone a DUMMY.

Heather