Long Hollow

There I was, walking along with my puppies on our dirt road yesterday morning, the sun just barely peeking into the Hollow, when suddenly Max and Belle caught a whiff of something exciting and took off in a full run.

I thought they would stop after a few yards as they usually do, but to my surprise, they continued running all the way around the next curve, disappearing out of sight, leaving me all alone. 

I just kept plodding along, expecting to see them come trotting back to me any minute, so when I heard movement in the woods to my right a few minutes later, I assumed it was my puppies. 

But then I heard movement again, just a few seconds later in the same area. Through the trees I caught a glimpse of a deer, closely followed by Belle and Max, heading back toward the house.

Max, old man that he is… well, I expected he would just head on home after such lengthy runs. He'd be worn out!

It was a beautiful morning, though, so I decided to keep walking as far as the curve, as usual, and then head home. No reason why I should call my walk short!

Next thing I know, there's a crashing sound from the woods ahead of me and, one after another, deer popped out, dashing across the road.

And then… I couldn't believe it… out popped Max and Belle, still on their heels. Max was still running!

They all disappeared into the woods on my left. I kept walking but wondered where they might appear next!

Belle returned first. It was a few minutes before Max emerged from the woods… mouth foaming, a rust-colored leaf hanging from a bit of drool from his mouth, but obviously very pleased with himself. 

It was a good morning.

And now for the rest of the Sweet! moments of my week….

Friday: watching your friends' son play the drums in public; dancing; staying up late, eating peanuts, catching up with friends

Saturday: pancakes and bacon; talking 'cat' with Nala; garage sales and antique stores with your husband and friends; Shari's taco soup; watching home movies; the sound of the wind through tall pines, like rushing water

Sunday: sitting on a back porch, listening to crows and other birds, sipping coffee and chatting with your friend; breakfast tacos; walking along the river, being silly; exploring old barns

Monday: your son's first day at a new job in a new town, the answer to his prayers; working on your book; rain after a drought; a 30-day free trial of Lightroom; meeting friends at a Junior Forum Christmas show; Victorian houses

Tuesday: playing the drums; learning Lightroom; voting; two days in a row of rain; getting to bed before 11pm

Wednesday: sunshine and a brisk wind on your morning walk; Belle running and running and running; Daughtry singing on the Today Show while you're on the elliptical; finding free presets for Lightroom; a call from your oldest, reporting that he loves his new job

Thursday: the full moon resting on silhouetted treetops; a morning photo shoot with a red-tailed hawk; lunch with friends; discussing family history with your son; remembering to snap the full moon

Friday: having your camera in hand when a herd of startled deer cross the road right in front of you; watching your old dog run and run and run

Saturday: an orange dawn; a road trip with your son; helping your mom celebrate her 80th birthday

Yes, I'm headed out to see my mom today. Tomorrow is her 80th birthday and most of us will be gathering this evening to help her celebrate. That will be the sweetest moment of my week, I'm sure!

My oldest can't be there – he's running his first marathon this weekend. I'm so proud of him!

Hope you've had a week full of Sweet! moments and the next one is even sweeter!