Why, look who's here! Come on up on the porch and git you a chair--that one at yon end. I'll set here on this end and we'll holler at one another. I was just settin here admiring that redbud--it busted into bloom full on yesterday.
You uns doin all right? If you're in need of aught, you know my canning house and freezers is full of food. I always put by more than I need and I always keep a little ahead on other things -- like that commode paper folks has gone so crazy over. And my chickens is laying good.
Oh, this virus thing is worrisome, I'll not deny it. Dor'thy pitched a fit when I told her I was staying right here and I didn't need her comng over-- you know she drops by right often but I told her to stay where she is-- she don't have no business getting out neither.
I thank you for the offer but Bernice's boy has said he would bring me groceries or everwhat I needed. Aside from a gallon of milk and some chicken feed he brung me the other day, I ain't needed nothing.
I feel awful bad for those who are out of work and for those poor somebodies without homes--I seen them in Asheville one time when me and Dor'thy was ridin around. And then I feel a little shame-faced at how ordinary-like things is going along for me.
It's something like the Great Depression. Here in our county, folks was already poor and used to making it on what they could raise--there was plenty what said later times didn't change none for them.
Yes, I know this virus is hitting the old folks the hardest. Reckon at my age I ought to be a-feared. But, honey, I tell you what it is--at my age, I ain't afraid to go. Still, I ain't in no hurry. And I reckon every Spring that I see as a joyful blessing and that makes each flower and blooming tree a special gift.
And every time I see the Spring, it's like in that old song--Lord, spare me over for another year -- to see the redbud bloom again.