I decided instead of stalking a virtual stranger it was probably a better idea to try and connect with Barbie. I know her property borders mine. And since I always see her at the fence line in heavy winter work-wear that is obviously good quality and well-worn she very likely spends a lot of time outdoors.
I decided to go out early and just walk the fence to see if I could connect with her.
I woke at around 7am and ate a big breakfast before layering up and heading out.
The rail fence that divides our property is made from sturdy, weather worn hemlock and is very well kept mostly by Barbie herself.
I must have walked for twenty minutes before I caught sight of her leaning up against a section of fence, one knee up, smoking a foul smelling pipe.
She was staring into the wooded treeline of the forest and didn’t look at me, even after I took up next to her on the fence.
“Morning Barbie,” I said. My eyes followed her gaze into the trees, trying to find what was holding her attention so strongly.
“Morning,” she responded. She broke concentration and turned to lean her back along the post and give me her full attention. I peeled my eyes away from the dark trunks and bare branches to mimic her pose.
“How have you been,” I asked.
“The same as I’ve always been,” she said. “How are you?”
“Okay,” I responded. “I haven’t been sleeping well, but that can happen in a new place.”
“Sure, and the season is changing. Frost is giving way to Melt.” She said the words like they were seasonal titles, and maybe to her they were. “Change can cause sleep problems.”
We stood there for a few moments in silence, her puffing away on that pipe.
“I heard Bess sent someone down to check your section of the river,” She said it like a statement.
“The lady at the store?” I asked. “She said she would, but I never heard more about it.”
“You should go to town tomorrow and follow up.” She said, taking to her feet. She lifted one boot and banged her pipe out against it before tucking it away in an inside pocket and wandering away with a little wave over her shoulder.
And, that was it.
I was dismissed.
I watched her receding back for a few minutes, cast one last look at the treeline and headed home.