Good-Bye Lake

On my run on Monday, a bald eagle soared over my head. The cottonwood trees sent their green leaves spiraling down in a cool, fall wind. Summer is winding down and we are packing up our small trailer and headed from the Pacific Northwest to the magical place known as Iowa.

I love the way spring fills the air with sweet, wet, smells; the way summer warms my bones. I love the stillness that winter brings. But I think my favorite season is Fall - the smell of the burning wood, the crackle sound leaves on the ground make - the amazing colors. I remember when my Mom and Dad would take us to the apple orchards in Michigan and we would pick apples and get apple cider. Every time I drink cider, I think of my folks.

Vegas is winding down as well. She is in the Autumn of her life. There is a lake in front of our small cabin here and she swims. There is a winding path and she walks. There is food and she begs. She is, after all, a Golden Retriever.

Tonight as our family walked out to the lake and gazed up at the amazingly bright stars, Vegas threw herself down on the ground and began to squirm with delight as if to say, "Thank You Lake! This was an AWESOME summer!!"

She warms my soul. I am so grateful for the Old, Gold Dog.