free-range walks

Maggie and I took a walk to Elk Rock Island yesterday morning.8 AM is SOOO beautiful on the river.  

The big white building on the left is a private residence.  Something like 5 stories, right on the river - what a castle!  The buildings on the right are condos. Awesome view.

I love the way the boat-dock ramps are reflecting here.  It looks like a Rohrshach test.   And see how the trees are just starting to turn?  I should come down here once a week for the next month or so and get progressive pictures.

There are forest fires upwind of us, which have filled the air with smoke, hence thegolden cast to the light.

Our walk was just delightful!  Not too warm, not too much traffic, and oh, such beautiful old houses.  We climbed the equivalent of 9 flights of stairs, and got in over 4 thousand steps.  Taking walks with friends is even more fun than taking the treadmill with Firefly.

Afterwards, we went to Maggie's house and sat on the deck with her partner, enjoying the light and the morning, and drinking tea.  I sweat like a pony so my t-shirt was soaked. Maggie's partner immediately pulled out a t-shirt to loan me.  There is something about wearing someone else's clothes - it's an honor and a blessing.  I said it made me feel as if we were sisters.  "Oh good," they said, "when will we have our first fight?"  We decided to fight over the fact that I was wearing her t-shirt.  "You stay out of my closet!"

Life is so good right now.  Yes, I know hard times and bad things will come, but I am going to exhault in the joys and pleasures I have in this moment.  Sunny days, wonderful friends, the time and freedom to take morning  walks, the beautiful places to take them, and the strength and flexibility to climb the equivalent of nine flights of stairs.  Thank you, God!