With the change in temperature we've been experiencing the last few days, a sea-change from the exhausting heat and humidity interspersed with heavy rain events, our ravine rambles resemble perfection. We enter the ravine now with brisk breezes ensuring that mosquitoes are at a much-appreciated low in appearance.

Although we both eschew insect repellent, I usually dress protectively against mosquitoes with long coverings on my arms and legs. Despite which, when they're really prevalent, some will still choose to sting through my pink-cotton long-sleeved top. And if they don't appreciate having to stick that proboscis through fabric, they sneak onto backs of necks and on hands, anywhere they can get a sly purchase.

Now, all the insects we see are bees busy gathering what they may, and there are still some daisies, fleabane, and buglos in bloom along with yarrow, Queen Anne's lace, and now emerging late-summer asters and goldenrod for them to feast on.

As for feasting, Jack and Jill know just where to look for the presence of fallen apples. They evince no interest in those freshly fallen, but choose the apples that have been down awhile and have begun to brown, obviously preferring them in their corrupt stages of disintegration. Jillie on the other hand will stop at a certain place where one particular apple tree drops its apples for my husband to pluck one off a branch, and cut it into little bites, offering her and Jackie fresh apple bits. Jillie chews them happily, while Jackie takes each piece, shakes it, then discards it, and resumes his search for the spoiled ones.

Whenever we come across other dogs they are immediately alert long before we're aware of the approach of someone else. And then they greet the newcomer with enthusiasm and eagerness to briefly frolic about, if it's a dog they know. Unknown dogs that are small are of interest to them, but unfamiliar dogs that are large cause them hesitation and caution.

Yesterday we came across two small bichon frise we've never seen before and the four greeted each other with a fair amount of interest. And then there was Ruby, an overweight little terrier rescue whose daily treat is to be permitted to sink herself into the muddy creek, and whose antics in there really bemuse Jack and Jill, not the least bit interested in joining her.

Yesterday they also came across one of their favourite large dogs, Charlie, about whom they enjoy romping, while Charlie patiently endures their leaps and jogs, nudges and nips to entice her to come and play. Something that puppies don't quite understand is no longer appealing to adult dogs.