Oh, these spontaneous, carefree days of summer, here at last; only dreamed of in the waning winter months, finally arrived. Not that spring wasn't appreciated for it most certainly was, even including its usual early-arrival proclivity to confusing itself with winter. We welcomed spring with the open arms of pure gratitude, and expressed our polite condolences to winter for having to depart despite its obvious unwillingness to do so.

Our landscape has changed so completely. Everything is flourishing, the vegetation in our gardens and the forest, and our emotions with them, constantly appreciative of what we see and experience.
When the mood takes us and the opportunity arises there is no preparation required to take ourselves out to the forest trails, only our little dogs' collars and halters need be placed on them and the laundry room sink prepared to wash off their dainty little feet, post-hike.

Then off we go! And go they do, helter-skelter into the woods, descending the hill from street level to the forest beyond, dark and mysterious. Not too dark and certainly not mysterious to them; rather an environment of complete ease, freedom and pleasure. As it is for us.

Yesterday we had the trails to ourselves yet again. Until we were almost at the end of our circuit, and then galloping behind us, obviously anxious to make our acquaintance, a veritable giant of a dog. We had, in fact, seen it for the first time three months earlier when it was just three months old. Now, at six months of age, the cross between a Great Dane and an English mastiff had attained formidable proportions on its way to achieving full size.

A puppy, regardless of its size, wants to be in the presence of other dogs; above all, it wants to play, to be entertained, to enjoy a social life with others of its species, and this one was no different. It took quite a while before its human companion was able to catch up with this spectacular canine, though he too was young, albeit a young man.

In the interim, this great beautiful beast followed a rather nervously unsettled Jackie and Jillie around attempting to make solid contact while they did their utmost to evade its attention and intentions. Much as we, as human animals, might, through sheer fear of extraordinary size, take evasive steps in confronting a stranger we aren't certain has other than ill intentions. But the dog, as is common with many very large breeds, was intent on making friends, not enemies. And in the end, their acquaintanceship rituals complete, the next time they meet it's likely the event will be less fraught with concern on the part of our two, and anxiety on the part of the other.

Eventually, the young man caught up and took his large puppy under his firm guidance, and off they went. As did we, to complete our circuit and on its way enjoy the remainder of our forest hike -- all of us.