We shared earbuds this morning before getting out of bed. To listen to the news. Grim. Just as it has been for the past six days. Along with that melancholy frightening news of inhumanity and violent hatred, the weather itself for all those days seemed to reflect the mood we found ourselves in. Despite that this morning's news was cast in the very same mould causing one to despair deeply over the human condition, this time there was a modicum of a weather salve to buoy our spirits, if such a thing could be possible at this juncture.

 

 

The sun finally crept out from behind the dark-streaked clouds that had for too long dominated these days. The weather report assured us that the chance of rain today was minimal. The house interior was lighted beautifully for a change. We felt nominally better. Although as the day progressed news once again weighed heavily.

 

Our puppies are sublimely and happily unaware of what is happening in the world of humanity. And they were anxious to get out and explore the woods as usual. Most of the laundry was finished by mid-afternoon and we prepared to take them out. Although there's a frisson of excitement for them when we take them out to the backyard as they shoot out the sliding doors to confront any neighbourhood squirrels or rabbits who mistakenly believe they have the right of transit. After the first bit of excitement passes, they're bored.

 

So out we went in the belief that today would be a little warmer than the past few days. But of course there was the usual wind and the sun parted company with us once we were in the forest interior and the canopy shielded us from the warming effects of the sun. We were actually quite surprised that the day was as nippy as it turned out to be.

 

Still, beautiful enough to entice us to lengthen our circuit today and remain out of doors much longer. Although we saw no one else out with their dogs for the first half-hour of our hike, as we mounted the hillsides of the ravine we began seeing others about. And invariably, the dogs with them were familiar with Irving and came over to say hello, and where's our cookie treats? Each one got two big cookies and a pat on the head.

A half-hour later, we were confronted by a more familiar pair of Jackie's and Jillie's friends, with no large cookies left to hand out. But Irving always carries two bags; one of large cookies and one of Jackie and Jillie-sized cookies, and that is just what they were given. No complaints heard.