Willow woke me up at 6:30 this morning giving me a bonus hour to sleep in on my day off. I fed her like usual and got ready to go for a walk. I never have time to do this on a workday and always wanted to see what the lake looks like so early in the morning.
There was a chill in the air but I could tell it was going to turn into a hot day. The lawn was wet with dew and the cut grass stuck to my shoes as I walked across the field. As I was coming down the dirt path that leads to the lake, I could see the ropes they'd put up on the beach designating the swimming area. Their buoys lay so still on a mirror of water. The fog was just lifting from the surface of the lake and the sunlight filtering through it gave it a ghostly appearance.
We made our way down the path, the only ones out that early. Willow spotted a rabbit and pulled hard on the leash. The terrified rabbit took the opportunity to run for safety into the brush. As we turned the curve, I could see a lone fisherman casting his line. I imagine he was enjoying the quiet, beautiful morning as well.
We continued our walk and turned around at the bottom of the hill. The temperature was starting to rise (or was it my own) and coffee sounded much more appealing than climbing the hill. As we made our way back, I could see a part of the lake that is particularly quiet. Here I've seen beavers swimming as they dragged sticks through the water to build the dam the county workers always destroy. But today, no beavers. No fish. Not a ripple on the water. Fog met sun here and it swirled upward in lazy circles dancing above the glassy surface before disappearing into the air.
We headed for home after our 3 mile trek and I waved to my neighbors out on the porch of their Victorian enjoying their morning coffee with their bulldog at their side. I stopped short of asking them for a cup of coffee and a muffin. I'm filled with envy when I see these neighbors. How wonderful it would be to have a home overlooking this lake!
Willow and I arrived at the door and I stomped my feet to get as much sticky grass off them before going inside. She did the trick I call "circus dog" where she makes the seven steps from landing to landing in one giant leap. It's hard to believe six months ago she didn't know how to climb stairs and was terrified of trying.
I put the coffee on and warmed up the leftover hash browns I'd made yesterday. I melted butter in a frying pan and cracked two eggs into it. Two yolks in one egg! Yes, today will be a good day.
