[Claudia Gary]

As an east-coast native (or at least a daughter of east coast natives) who has visited Missouri and Arkansas several times during the past nine years, I had to smile at the exchange between Allen and Charlie.

Meanwhile, a few years ago my current neighbors planted Leyland Cypress trees at the back of their lawn to obscure the view of the relatively new subdivision in back. The trees quickly grew so tall and thick that a deer has taken up residence in this new forest. There's no hope for any vegetable garden that isn't surrounded by a high fence. Funny how nature balances things out.

But butterflies have enjoyed the lavenders and wildflowers out front.