Mr. Burns' Gift By Shirley A. Blair Keller ©2011-2021
Kaweah River Road walk was beautiful that morning. It was July and the mornings were barely cool, enough to get out early before the summer heat hit. The river was flowing quietly, river rocks glistened under the cover of water. I saw Mr. Burns old VW bus coming up the road. I also noticed a couple walking a big dog toward me. Both vehicle and the couple reached me at the same time. “Get in the car, Shirley,” Mr. Burns commands. “Scottie and Eddie, you too. I have something wonderful to show all of you.” There was a back and forth about the dog fitting in such a small space with all of us, but Mr. Burns exuberance overcame all objections and we piled in the back of the vehicle. Eddie, Scottie and I made introductions. They are new in town, built a house not far up the road from me, and have walked the dog daily. That is how they met Mr. Burns. Turned out they are birdwatchers, too. Mr. Burns drove over the bumpy dirt road to the Catfish Farm and Parks. He wanted the dog l...