Bad news and good news

This has been another stressful week, has it not?

Regardless of one’s political affiliation, there has been too much going on too fast to digest. I will be glad when the election is over. Surely, most people have already decided for whom they will vote, but there may be some issues that need further scrutiny.

The most wonderful news reported today has been the successful surgery to separate the little twin boys who were conjoined at the head. The skills to perform such an operation are awesome. The little fellows are cute and healthy-looking. Just seeing the little twins before, then after, the lengthy surgery, and the joy of the mother and the father was enough to bring tears to one’s eyes.

The extended summerlike weather has apparently affected many creatures. The hummingbirds left my feeders early this year, and butterflies seem to be confused. I read that the monarch butterflies made their way south rather erratically this year – running into bad weather, and the numbers will probably be dramatically reduced. The article said that only 10 percent of them are likely to survive. I hope they are wrong. One of the most enchanting sights I used to behold were big trees covered by millions of the beautiful monarchs. We referred to them as “butterfly trees,” of course.

I wish that more of the beauty we find in nature could be preserved for future generations. I know I feel that my life and many others have been enriched by the observation of nature’s beauties.

— Louis Houston is a resident of Siloam Springs. His book “The Grape-Toned Studebaker” is available locally and from Amazon. com. Send any questions or comments to louis1931@ gmail.com or call 524-6926. The opinions expressed are those of the author.