The dark hours were solemn. Laurie and I had attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service at the Kittanning Free Methodist Church. We, later, shared our presents to each other. We enjoyed the antics of Quincy, our ferret, as he played among the torn wrappings. Our Springer Spaniel, Suzie, even with her illnesses, enjoyed searching and squeezing her new toy. We sat in the living room with only the lights of the tree and the glow of candles. All the while the sounds of Christmas music could be heard from the stereo. 
Later, I exited our home with Suzie roaming the back yard looking for the right spot for her nature call. As the last evening, two great-horned owls exchanged their mating calls in the darkness. Both birds were close, but hearing them would be all for me. The birds set among the pines and hoot often, but seeing them is rare. Now with the mating season a realty for them their calls will be more prevalent at my home.
I thought while listening…What a perfect end for the Christmas Eve! Two owls calling in the quiet night much as it would have been that first Christmas. Peaceful!!!!!!!!! Solemn!!
Merry Christmas to all!
Suzie eating her pig's ear
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
Leave a Reply