Raking 101 is now in session.

Now listen closely, Master W. There are three thing you need to know about raking leaves:

1. Turn your rake (me) over so that the tines face down. You're never going to rake any leaves with poor form and upturned tines.
2. Pull your rake toward you. Pushing me around just the pushes leaves around on the ground. We'll never create a pile big enough for Miss C. to jump in if you insist on pushing instead of pulling.
3. Remember to direct your raking at the leaves. We're going to be here all day if you don't stop pushing me all over the driveway and sidewalk. The leaves are on the grass, not the concrete.

You didn't hear a word I just said, did you?

Life is short.

It's winter, so my life is at an end. All summer, I watched Miss C. play under the shade I made just for her. Fall came, and I could feel the changes in the air, and see my coloring change from green to red. The end was near.

I dropped off my tree yesterday, and sadly lay on the sidewalk thinking that this was it. But then Miss C. came bursting out of the house today and I knew I had one more chance. She raked me and all the other leaves from my tree into a tiny pile, got a running start and took a 3-year-old sized leap onto the pile.

I'm off to the green waste bin, but I don't mind so much. Miss C. made it all worthwhile.

Miss C. started a new collection today.

Leaves!