It Was A Hot Summer Day in The Great Forest

 

Uncle Bob's dream house. Still a dream!

            Strangely, there are some very hot days in the summer in the Great Forest. It sounds hot, before it feels hot. It’s like you can hear the forest floor baking. Insects make lazy little doppler effects, as they come near, then fade away. There is a resinous odor in the air, once the sun is up.
            Maurice had been doing some of the heavier jobs for Ooog, learning how a True Howler could also be a gardener. It was all new to him, this plant-based life. But he got into the slow pace of it, learning what garden plants needed, and he learned how to supply those needs.
            While Maurice and Ooog gardened, Thaga got out some materials. She knew the outside of Maurice’s bag would have to be tough. It was going to be worn by Maurice, after all, and he was likely to be hard on it, if his history was anything to go by.
            She chose a piece of heavy tent fabric which had been lurking in her sewing closet for years. It was made to be used a lot and very tough. For lining she picked a piece of heavy red and black plaid flannel.
            At first she had been thinking of a cross-body bag, such as used by urban hikers, students and such. But then she started imagining Maurice getting it hung up on things as he went about his life in the forest, things like brush and branches. She realized that it needed to be closer to his body. So she designed one similar to what we could call a fanny pack, to be anchored to a belt at the waist. She decided to put some copper rivets at the stress points.
            In combination with her other duties in the house, building the Howler’s bag took three days. Finally, it was done. She showed him how it worked, cutting the belt to his size so there wouldn’t be any long hanging strap.
            His book, pen, and harmonica fit it perfectly.
            “It’s like a pocket, without the pants!” he told Thaga, prancing about.
            Maurice liked to wear the bag in front like a Scotsman’s sporran, so he had instant access to his treasures and could keep an eye on them.
            Thaga and Ooog had learned to love Maurice, and he them. Ooog said, “You can stay if you like, Maurice.” Thaga agreed.
            “Thanks,” he said. “That’s just about the best thing anyone ever said to me. I might be back. I like the garden. I didn’t know anything about plants before!”
            But he wanted to see Ralph, after all, that’s why he had returned to the Northwest. So, on that very hot bug-singing day, he trotted back down into the forest, heading for the Home Clearing.
            As Maurice trotted along, the sun beat down on his shaggy head, his tongue lolled and he panted, but he was really enjoying the secure feeling of having his things with him in their own pocket sans pants. There was a pleasant rhythmic flopping sound as he ran.
            “Look at you!” Ramona called when she saw Maurice. She was busy teaching Cherry the names of her ancestors as far back as she remembered them.
            “Pretty cool, huh? Is Ralph in the cave or up on his log, Firekeeper?” said Maurice. He unsnapped the bag to demonstrate its wonders, and snapped it back up.
            “Ralph isn’t here; he’s up in the meadow with Uncle Bob at the Stump House. You know Bob don’t you? I’m sure you’ve met. Why don’t you run up there and show off your new bag? They’d love it!” said Ramona. “It’s just perfect for you, Maurice!”
            “I’ll find them!” he said. Even if he hadn’t known where the Stump House was he could  have sniffed it out. Howlers have a tremendous sense of smell.
            But, to help himself along, he pulled out his harmonica and began composing a searching tune. It was quite audible for some distance.
            Up at the Stump, Uncle Bob heard the searching tune coming closer and closer.
            “Ralphie, do you hear the music? Is it magic, or is it real?” said Uncle Bob.
            “I bet that’s Maurice!” said Ralph, because he could hear the music too. “You remember Maurice? Of course you do, he’s been here before.”
            “It can be magic and real at the same time,” said Ralph.
            The music filled the air. Even Aunt Suzie was listening as it grew closer and louder.
            “It’s perfect!” whispered Uncle Bob, gazing into the middle distance. He sang in his light husky tenor.
           

When I saw you,

My heart just fell.

Like an apple dropped,

In a wishin' well.

 
            “Hey, everybody, Lookie what I’ve got!” sang Maurice in his growly Howler voice.
            “Thaga does great work!” said Ralph.
            “Neat tune!” said Uncle Bob, all starry eyed.
            “Thanks!” said Maurice, “I’m just now inventing it!”
            “I’m just now working on some words!” said Uncle Bob.
            “Maybe you two should get together!” said Ralph.
            “Yeah!” said Uncle Bob.
            “Let’s do it!” howled Maurice.
            “Just perfect!” sang Ralph is his soft massive basso voice.
            And so it was!

🎼