Last year I swore that I wouldn't put Caillou (our collie) through a summer cut. But the heat hit early, and he was miserable. So, I took him last Thursday. He's been a different dog since.
This morning, we walked early. Even then, the air was heavy and still. The gardenias are blooming along our fence. They love this kind of weather, and their aroma lounged on the thick air as if it were a pillow.
Even the birds seemed lethargic.
Jilda and I knew that if we didn't sneaker-up early, it wasn't going to happen. So we did.
We swilled our coffee and hit the trail.
The first lap is slow, so the dogs can all do their business. But the second lap is for the grown-ups. We put them in the fence and did a high-intensity walk.
Toward the end, while we were walking under the canopy of oak and hickory on the barn road, I saw Jilda stop in her tracks. When I turned to see what caught her attention.
Down in the hollow near the spring was a beautiful oak leaf hydrangea. Pulling the phone from my pocket, I snapped a few pictures. Then I stood there admiring the native plant.
It looked like a beacon in the forest.
Sometimes nature just shows out.
This morning, we walked early. Even then, the air was heavy and still. The gardenias are blooming along our fence. They love this kind of weather, and their aroma lounged on the thick air as if it were a pillow.
Even the birds seemed lethargic.
Jilda and I knew that if we didn't sneaker-up early, it wasn't going to happen. So we did.
We swilled our coffee and hit the trail.
The first lap is slow, so the dogs can all do their business. But the second lap is for the grown-ups. We put them in the fence and did a high-intensity walk.
Toward the end, while we were walking under the canopy of oak and hickory on the barn road, I saw Jilda stop in her tracks. When I turned to see what caught her attention.
Down in the hollow near the spring was a beautiful oak leaf hydrangea. Pulling the phone from my pocket, I snapped a few pictures. Then I stood there admiring the native plant.
It looked like a beacon in the forest.
Sometimes nature just shows out.
Nice to be stopped in your tracks by something of beauty. Enjoyed the visit, y'all take care and be cool!
ReplyDeleteSherry & jack
I'm glad Jilda had herself being receptive to the world around her. What a sight.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of an oak leaf hydrangea. Is it just a southern plant? It's beautiful and would stop you in your tracks! Hope you had a lovely day today. Stay cool!
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed look like a beacon. Stay cool - all of you.
ReplyDeleteI'm very, very pleased you have taken Calliou to the trimmer and shaved his coat for summer. I know you were dead against the idea last year and you didn't care too much for the way he looked. It's not about how he looks, it's about making him comfortable in the heat, especially as he is an older dog.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I read the riot act to you last year and now I'm doing it again.
That's the problem with old people, they keep repeating themselves. Endlessly.
Anyway, you've done good by Calliou for this summer.
Alphie
We have a few of them...nature tends to them better than we do.
ReplyDeleteGreat eye for Jilda. I love finding a beacon in the forest.
ReplyDeleteLisa
The oak leaf hydrangea is worth stopping for. A beautiful blossom indeed.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Caillou is happy with your decision.
Hugs, Julia