In an effort to provide a helpful series of posts on genres, I’m currently doing some research. My investigation so far has turned up some interesting information which I’m applying to events in my own life—or more accurately, my yard.
After the recent snowstorm, I enjoyed looking out at the pristine snow. Within a couple of days, however, I noticed that the area under the trees had turned ugly, with leaves and dirt showing up to spoil the view. I knew we didn’t do it, and it certainly wasn’t my dog. He rarely ventures off the front porch when there’s snow on the ground.
I don’t think the possum that lives under my deck is the culprit either. He has big feet, but doesn’t do much damage running across the snow.
Did Mr. Possum do it?
However, I did gather evidence that Mr. Possum is the one eating the branches off my rhododendrons.
Caught in the act of eating!
Yesterday I finally thought I had the answer. A bunch of turkeys were scratching away at the snow, bringing the leaves up to the surface in their quest for food.
- Guilty as charged!
Later in the afternoon, though, a group of deer were in the same spot, pawing at the ground and nibbling at the vegetation.
The turkeys' accomplices!
Putting all the clues together, I surmised that there is more than one perpetrator involved here. Is there a conspiracy going on? Is there a mastermind behind the plan to ruin my winter wonderland? Or does necessity force these creatures into trespassing into my yard to find something to eat?
Whatever. I think watching the wildlife is even more fun than staring at the snow, so I’m not going to prosecute the criminals.
Coming soon: The Mystery Genre
What’s your favorite winter activity? Do you spend more time reading in winter? Does the weather affect your writing?
