For the dogs

It's funny how dogs recognize the difference between when you're packing to go somewhere without them and the times they get to go with you. Before I had even opened the pantry to pack her food, Dixie knew she was going with me. She may not have known that she was going to the cabin for New Year's Eve, but did know she was going somewhere.  She was all tail wags and running from room to room, jumping on my bed, jumping back off and high-tailing it in circles around the bedroom. Silly Dixie.

On the drive to the cabin, we made a quick stop at a local restaurant to pick up chips to go with the queso we planned to make but somehow never did. Before I opened the door to the restaurant, I turned back and looked at the car to see Josie and Dixie excitedly looking out the car window. At least I think the look on Josie's face was excited. The more I look at the photo I snapped though, the more I think that if she could speak, she'd be asking, "How much longer until we get there?"

We finally did get there and two days later when we got home, they were blissfully worn out. I love that for them, that I can bring them to a place to explore and sniff and roll around in the grass and play, where they can either freak out at (Josie) or chase (Dixie) armadillos and discover scents on the breeze and turn their heads in wonder. These two definitely had a happy new year.

Raindrops on Roses

On the first morning of the new year, I awoke early, brewed some strong coffee and set out for a walk with the dogs. I spent new years eve and the first two days of the year at our cabin near Matagorda, Texas. There's a certain peace and deep comfort that I experience there that I don't usually reach in other places. The winter months are my favorite. Bare tree limbs, crisp light, the chilly hum of the morning.

As we walked, geese flew overhead. Their honking and calling were distant at first, so slight on the air but enough for me to notice, to stop, to stand still with my eyes closed and listen to them, listen to this my favorite of all nature's sounds, as they grew louder, flying over us, and then weaker again as the geese flew beyond us.

I never saw them. The grey clouds were low and thick. But hearing them is so powerful and calming, simple and peaceful.

It was a great kick-off to the new year. Hot cup of coffee in hand, the dogs, the bare tree limbs, cold air, grey sky and the sound of the wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings.

Slow and easy. It's a prayer of sorts, to my heart. And a wide smile to my face.