next door to paradise

Thanks for driving through my yard when you rounded the curve, as I am sure you frequently do. It was particularly nice that you ran over my sprinkler. Since I just bought it, I was really looking forward to plunking down another thirty bucks. I hope you aren’t hurt when your tire blows out.

It is a very clear, moonless night and I was in the back yard looking at the sky. I could see less than fifty stars and one planet. It reminded me of when I would look up as a child and marvel at the seemingly infinite cloud of stars that cut across the heavens. I can’t remember the last time I saw the Milky Way. I really miss it.