It wouldn't be much, but it would have do until I could find a more suitable spot to take shelter. The forest was dark and menacing, the thick trunks ...f mighty pines pressing together, black against the even deeper black of the gloamy depths beyond. The tips of the trees, higher than any of the graceful palms and olive trees of my native land jutted against the diseased expanse of the sky, like the hateful, rusted lances of some vengeful barbarian horde. Cursing under my breath, I silently. Dinner in New York, shopping, theater in DC. The next day, a hotel in Vegas. Did they ever stay home?One account led to another and I discovered that there were often charges made in geographically different locations on the same day. A hotel in Orlando on the same night that one was paid in Acapulco. They traveled a lot, but not necessarily together. Finally, I came across the first of what I’d call Simon’s personal accounts. This account showed mainly cash deposits and cash withdrawals.. But she did love the leaves.It was the colours, I think. All those bright reds and oranges, twisting and twirling as the breeze wafted through the trees. They were warm colours, nature's last hurrah before the cold really took hold.And, of course, they were like fire.Fire.She loved fire; loved snuggling up beside a big open fireplace, watching the flames flicker around the logs, the embers glowing brightly with almost fluorescent intensity. The light would dance on her face, alternately making. So why are they always so damn happy? Never without a grin, always giving an enthusiastic wave and a “how do ya do” no matter what time of the day and no matter what day of the week. Life consistently gives them the shaft and yet they carry on like every day is the best damn day of their life. What’s their secret? Is it a loving partner that cares for them? Nope. Is it a newfound religion? Not likely. Is it drugs? No… well, maybe. But it’s also something else, something much more magical. No,.