THIS WEEK'S STORY

Duke the Mouse In:
AUTUMN CHILL

    Yep, there it was, in the air! There was no mistaking it. There was a chill in the air this morning when Duke woke up. How do I know all about it? Because he told this morning as I was just waking up. 
    Actually I wasn't waking up at that moment but I did so shortly after Duke sat on my pillow and used my ear for a foot rest. He wanted me to know that autumn was here and there was a chill in the air and could we go for an early morning walk to enjoy the chilly air? Now there's something new for the record books: Duke out of bed before me and Duke out of bed and ready to DO something before me. 
    So I promised my pet mouse I would go for a walk with him as soon as I got a shower, some breakfast and a dose of the news from the radio. 
    Not good enough. Duke wanted to walk and he wanted to walk now, while there was a chill in the air. 
    So, in a few minutes, I was ready. Actually, Duke the Mouse had a very good point. I'll have to hand it to him. When iron is hot, strike while you can. I mean, if it is a beautiful morning, why not get out and enjoy it because you know it won't last. Maybe it will turn into a beautiful afternoon but to enjoy the morning, you've got to get out of bed and dive right in. 
    Before I knew it, I was out walking along with Duke tucked neatly in the pocket of my jacket. That's his idea of a walk, but I didn't mind because it was a beautiful autumn morning and Duke was right, there was a chill in the air. Funny thing when that happens: Duke and I get to talking about the past and the future. We decided that we were sad to see summer go so quickly. Right, the days were hotter than ever and, right, it was uncomfortable and sticky and the mosquitoes were miserable this year, but summer is certainly Duke's favorite time of the year. Mine is autumn but I don't want it to come too quickly, either. 
    Well, we walked along enjoying the chill in the air and talking about some of our other walks this year. Duke remembered going for a late night walk on a warm summer night and walking along the beach. I remembered walking in the woods and the time we went to the mountains and hiked along a trail to a place where we could see a long ways. 
    About that time, Duke and I realized that it wasn't getting any warmer on this morning. In fact, the fog was rolling in and it was getting colder and wetter. 
    Duke was very brave. He snuggled down deeper in my pocket where it was warm and dry and closed his eyes to snooze while I walked a long. I didn't really mind. It gave me time to think about things and thinking and walking are two very good pastimes and seem to go together quite well. 
    The leaves bunched up around my feet as I walked along and even though it was drizzling now, I didn't mind. On a cold winter day, this would be snow and the snow would be sticky and wet and my breath would be a fan of steam as I huffed and puffed along. 
    But it was autumn and it was mild and it was time for me to think about the season I loved the most. 
    I know this story is supposed to be about Duke the Mouse but there's not much to tell when he's asleep in my pocket on a walk he suggested. But that's the way it is with Duke. He's very good about coming up with ideas and getting me to follow them through. I mean, if it wasn't for Duke, I'd be sitting around all day like most normal people instead of cleaning up after my pesky mouse. 
    But, there is Duke and there is a lot to do for my pet mouse. And since he's more than a pet mouse, I don't mind doing it for him. He's like family and family hold very special places in our lives. Sometimes that's a little hard to understand. I guess I should try explaining it to Duke sometime. 
    This early morning weather was quickly turning worse. I could feel the rain drops getting bigger and bigger and I wasn't wearing anything waterproof so I decided to head back home and get a couple mugs of hot chocolate ready. As soon as Duke smelled the hot chocolate, I knew he would wake right up. 
    I also knew he would ask me if any thing exciting happened on the walk and I would have to tell him a story about it all. I might even make up some exciting details just to see his eyes grow large. Or I might even tell him the truth and let him know that sometimes a walk in the autumn chill is just a walk in the autumn chill. And a chance to think and collect your thoughts is worth more than an exciting adventure. And the thrill of seeing the autumn colors is worth a lot, too. Believe it or not, I was suddenly glad that Duke had demanded we take this walk. I guess my pet mouse can still teach me things if I'm just willing to listen, even if he falls asleep in my pocket as I walk along. 
    I finally made it back home, made enough hot chocolate to satisfy both of us and then woke Duke up from his nap. He smiled at me and then smelled the hot chocolate and smiled even more. And that's the way it is with Duke.