We really didn't think we'd have an opportunity to get out with Jackie and Jillie today. After a solid week of perfect weather, many days of sunshine that also gave us a late afternoon or evening thunderstorm, today was completely transformed; windy, cool and drenching-wet. The house was dark from morning to late afternoon. Late enough that with encroaching evening it was still dark. The rain was heavy and it was constant. Those times that Jackie and Jillie went out to the backyard, we did too. Wearing rainjackets.

 

 

But it was a house-cleaning day and we had plenty to do. With the new vacuum cleaner that Irving bought and uses instead of the central vac, Jackie and Jillie have found a new purpose in house-cleaning day. It's become a day of high entertainment for them. Because of the new vacuum cleaner. I doubt I'll ever use it; although it's a stick-type vacuum, it's incredibly heavy and it's also fairly tall. But the puppies find it irresistible.

 

Where with other vacuums, including the central vac they barely notice it being used. With this one, though, they don't stop prancing around it, threatening it, barking at the top of their little lungs. Excited beyond measure, and we can't figure out why. But it does keep them amused and busy (and in the way). Apart from the irritation factor at all that barking.

As the day wore on it looked increasingly as though we wouldn't be getting a break in the weather. And then, after six in the evening, there was a suspension in the rain. On with rainjackets, on with their halters, and out we went to a sodden, rain-exhausted world where the wind still prevailed and the atmosphere was cool enough that we were glad for the rainjackets.

 

The trails were wet and we were glad for the various types of gravel that had been laid down over the years; their traction up and down hills ensures that with care there are no spills. As usual, Irving spend time plucking raspberries and blackberries, feeding them to the pups, offering some to me. Looking across the forest creek to the opposite bank, the wildflowers were flourishing in the rain; a natural combination of Black-eyed Susans, Mullein, Queen Anne's lace and Himalayan orchids.

 

When we're out in perfect weather we're often surprised that we seem to be the only ones on the trails. Today, with the threat of continued rain under aquarium-resembling skies, we came across several other people out with their dogs. Weather aside, it's not very good form to deprive a healthy person or their canine companion of the opportunity to get out in a vibrant green environment.

 

As we reached the pollinating meadow, nearing the creek that was boiling with an influx of rainwater, we suddenly saw a huge bird lift itself off the streaming water, realizing it was a great Blue Heron, its wings wide and uplifting, though it didn't travel very far. With a wide swoop it flew to a stand of trees overhanging the creek and made itself comfortable on a high branch. I wanted to photograph it, but even with the help of the telephoto lens, had difficulty sighting it at that distance and the photo I did end up with is more notional than accurate, but it was a pleasure to see the bird.

 

As luck had it, the rain held off, we ambled along taking our time, enjoying the freshness of the cool air and the sight of everything luxuriating in the wet atmosphere that prevailed. The sudden blooming of purple loosestrife is now presenting yet another crop of wildflowers whose presence enhances the beauty of the forest. We arrived back home good and dry. And several hours later the downpour caught up with us again, likely to continue through the night.