Toby's Yard Art

My good friend Toby has been gone two years come tomorrow but the sound of his cheerful voice on his wife's answering machine still makes me smile. He was one of the funniest, smartest, most creative folks I have ever known and I miss him.

Nothing can replace his way of telling a story -- we try to remind ourselves of them -- the burn job, the oil well -- but we can't come close to his delivery.

At least we have a continuing reminder of Toby's antic humor in the wonderful creations scattered around the house he and his wife shared.

The flamingo crafted from a tractor seat, trowels, and other odds and ends I don't recognize is perhaps my favorite, but this cheerful gas cylinder lady below, with her flirty skirt and bosom a la Madonna is awfully winning.

Only Toby could look at a bed pan and see a plump water fowl.

This somber knight, whose head is an upside down tea kettle, reminds me that it's always time to appreciate our friends while we have them . . . and to remember them when they're gone.

I miss you, Toby.