Yellowish green blossoms hang down from the branches of a nearby tree like the ringlets of a character from "Gone With the Wind". A squirrel with rust colored fur lies outstretched on a thick branch, basking in the morning sun. He has spent the early hours consuming as many of the sweet blossoms as he could. A light breeze sways the branch and he seems to be trying to resist the closing of his eyelids as he drifts into a brief nap. Nearby, a cardinal, whose vividly bright feathers now truly mimic its namesake, chirps an invitation to another more distant cardinal. The persistent response is faint, but can be heard above the sound of the traffic on the highway just beyond the trees.

The highway sounds remind me that it is now time to get dressed and renew my job hunt once again.