Cool down

cool air —
is rain coming from
Buddha’s direction?

~ Issa, 1816

On the lower path in the Future Woods, heading towards the entrance to the current woods

We have had quite a change in the weather since yesterday.  It’s breezy, cool, and cloudy with the occasional misty rain.  My kind of hiking day.

Goldenrod in bloom

I had a look at the 10-day forecast for our area, and was surprised to see that the 90s (for highs) are not present at all.  That’s good news is you don’t like hot weather (and I don’t).  It feels almost like autumn out there.

I have started my hunt for the elusive male cardinal. This is not a very good (clear) photo, but I like the colors.

The “painted” version, processed in FotoSketcher.

A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods.

~ Rachel Carson

I have to agree with Rachel Carson regarding rainy days.  The colors are so lovely on a rainy day, even in the darkness of the woods.

Meadow path near the pond, heading towards the woods.

I did go into the woods, but not for long.  Bo the Dog, who has been accompanying me on my walks, was more interested in what was happening out on the pond.

No, not that.  This:

Seven geese landed.  Six took off as soon as they saw Bo running towards the pond.  This last one didn’t take the hint.

A bigger hint

Here’s the interesting thing about the goose situation.  Bo is afraid of water.  He has the look of a water dog (including his paws), but for some reason, he’s terrified of it.  Don’t even mention the word “bath” around him.  A bowl of water is scary business until you put it down and he realizes you’re not going to dump it on him.  Nobody has been able to get Bo to do what most dogs who visit us do as soon as they can:  jump in the pond and go for a swim.

All he needed was a good reason to go into the water, and for Bo, a good reason is a Canada Goose.  I think we should hire Bo.  Not only did he clear the pond of geese, he seemed to have a great time doing it.  He was in and out of the water, speeding around the pond from one end to the other.  Eventually M had to get out the rowboat to chase off the remaining goose, the one who wouldn’t leave.  Bo went with him, something else he usually does not want to do.  This time he jumped right in the boat, and directed M towards the goose.

I know this image looks very weird. M does not want to be on the blog in a recognizable form so I had to make him unrecognizable.

Bo’s people (M the Younger and his lovely wife) will be arriving this evening to spend the night, and then take him home tomorrow.  It’s been an interesting week.  I’ve learned a few things about myself during Bo’s visit.

Lomo Thistle

The most important thing I’ve learned is that I am not really a dog person.  Bo has been great company on my walks.  He is smart, too, and learned to stand or sit still whenever I took off the lens cap on my camera.  But dogs are much needier than cats in terms of care and companionship, and that means more work as well as more time spent with them.

All that said, I do appreciate the unconditional friendship a dog offers as well as the playfulness.  Bo had me skipping, jumping, and running with him through the meadows, adding a waggishness (pardon the pun) to our walks that lightened up my sometimes serious nature.

The wildflower meadow.

I would love to have Bo visit again, and he’s certainly welcome to stay a while whenever his people need someone to look after him while they go places where dogs are not allowed.  There has been talk about the possibility of getting a dog a few years down the road.  I might change my mind at some point but for now, I’m a cat person, through and through.  (Izzy and Bella appreciate that sentiment as they are not dog people either.  They tolerate Bo because Bo is smart enough to bow to their superiority as cats.)

Under the dogwood tree.

I reckon that’s it from the Bogs for today.  If you don’t mind a little misty rain, it’s a great day for a hike around the pond and into the woods.  It isn’t a bad day for a boat ride either.  Row or pedal, it’s your choice.  Whatever you decide, I hope you’re having a great Saturday!

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