Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) was a pleasant familiar face on today’s early morning stroll. This fuzzy and appealing little mint has delicate flowers and unique ruddy top leaves. The county extension websites call it an invasive weed, to be firmly banished from our dooryards, but in our neighborhood it’s a soft pretty accent to vacant lots and curbs.

The flower brought back lovely memories from the town of Eagle a year ago, and its people and landscape. In April, the Deadnettle there will grow as a luxurious shawl of soft lavender and lilac shades, flowing all along the contours of the waterways and lowlands, in bright contrast to the stone hill formations and sterling clear sky.

After arranging this tiny nosegay, I couldn’t resist a nostalgic browse of the online Eagle local paper. Main Street has interesting new foodcraft and household businesses, and even a new urgent care clinic. An abandoned building has been turned back into a community center. News features included an alert about proper battery storage to prevent hazardous corrosion and combustion, best practices for spring hunting season, handling and cooking fresh fish for observant Christians during Lent, keeping alfalfa crops safe from weevils, and safe healthy trail riding on horseback. There was an announcement of a joyful musical event planned at a local church; this happy news came with its own illustration — batteries corroded and scorched, no doubt from improper storage. It was heartening to read that scholarships for local youth are being sponsored by the truly outstanding second-hand store packed with bargains and charm (I still wear those excellent walking shoes, 25 cents brand new). The local historian was well over 100 years old during my visit; now he’s even more over 100, and had a party with a deluge of birthday cards. Even the memorial notices show remarkable warmth and tenderness; each resident did not only pass away, but took the hand of Lord and Savior Jesus, or left their earthly vessel, or gained heavenly wings, entered into rest, was called (or, transferred membership) to heaven, was welcomed to heaven by departed and reuniting family, or was now parading in God’s glory.

It still sounds like a healthy and likeable place to live, and a fine memory for a traveler.