Rambles

And an audio experiment

Almost every night, in almost every weather, my husband and I stroll our long driveway with the dogs. We like to leave the post lights off, so we stick to the pavement, rather than traversing the rough path that encircles the property. Sometimes we’re in a hurry because of the cold or the rain (never the snow) or—most likely—the bugs. Sometimes it is so beautiful that we linger.

Last night was a lingering night. It was later than usual for us. The air was soft and warm for the first time this season, the mosquitoes have not yet begun their full onslaught, and the dogs had spent more time alone than usual. There were stars in the deep blue sky. We spoke softly. We stopped to look and listen. The dogs romped around us, Eli snuffling and hopeful, Auggie—having apprenticed under Moses—waited, wolf-like, in the distant darkness, hoping to be summoned to charge. He did this again and again, joyfully launched like a rocket, growling playfully and circling us in triumph, as if we were his catch. The key to his joy is eye contact with us, and I make sure to look deep into his eyes to tell him how much he is seen and loved.

My brother-in-law—whom I have known since I was eight years old—has taken up violin again after a long hiatus. He was interested in seeing how piano notation differs. The big blue blanket and high powered air filter are there to protect the piano from the dust of our dining room construction. It went right back on after we were finished. The drawing on the wall is the designer’s sketch of one of my operatic costumes. Photo by Charles J. Sykes.

Eli has different needs. He bumbles, mostly, but will occasionally chase a ball, particularly if he can steal one from Auggie—an activity Auggie will punish him for later—and then sprint up the hill and around the garage to return via a circuitous route. He is easily distracted, though, and usually his scent snuffling results in a forgotten ball, and despite my non-green ball campaign, the dozen or so balls we had in inventory have now mostly disappeared among the foliage, not to be seen again until November. Auggie never lets go of a ball. Eli is another story. In the evening, he is a calmer, less demanding companion than Auggie. Still, when he chooses, Eli is remarkably fast, abandoning his normal lollop for a long, low streak. He seeks love in his own, very different ways. He leans and rubs against us, sometimes gently nibbling on our arms or coat sleeves. We joke that he is half cat.

We heard a distant, isolated hoot, and after a long pause to listen, I heard again the fluttering call of the screech owl. We have great horned owls, which tend to prey upon their smaller brethren, so I hadn’t heard one in more than ten years. Screech owls were one of the first owl calls I learned when we moved here. I know we have barn owls nearby, too, because my neighbor found a dead baby on the road last week. I haven’t heard or seen one.

There’s an osprey nest nearby, too, and I heard its call last week for the first time. Last night was a peak bird migration night, since we are on one of the main migration highways. We may have some unusual guests over the next few days.

This site projects and reports on bird migration. It’s a fun reference. We are right in one of the nation’s hotspots.

Despite the cool pre-rain air, I have the library windows open. There’s a cold, sweet breeze, and I’m wrapped in a blanket. There’s less birdsong than usual, but the geese, the redwing blackbirds, and the turkeys are feeling chatty, even without the sun. Eli has gone back to bed with Dad, but Auggie is lying nearby, sound asleep. He stays close.

Our houseguests are going home this morning, and my sister has offered to change the bed with its heavy down mattress pad and comforter before she leaves. I will accept her help. It’s amazing how heavy and awkward those things are.

Then we will have a quiet day at home, probably with a nap.

Happy Sunday!

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”And all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”~Julian of Norwich

These posts are about finding the beauty in daily life, even amid the craziness, uncertainty, and anxiety. Reality is not going away, but these are the only days we get, so we have to relish their small beauties while we have them. If you are a paid subscriber, please know how deeply grateful I am for your support. The kindness and enthusiasm of your comments buoy me and keep me writing, but the paid subscriptions are an extra vote of confidence I truly appreciate. These posts will always be free, however, so if all you can do is share, that is helpful, too. Whatever you decide, I’m glad you’re here.

And now for your gratuitous dog photo:

Eli, despite the red ball, has a lupine look here. No, not the flower. It wouldn’t pay to underestimate him.