End of the day.

Yesterday we had plans.  But waking up to several inches of rain, a persistent flooded creek that kept us up on the hill, and the knowledge that this too would pass, changed them.

Today dawned bright and brilliant.  A perfect time to get things done.  We made our delayed trip off the hill, spent the better part of the time running errands, trying not to think about how much of this glorious day we were spending in town, driving from here to there.

As soon as we climbed the hill this afternoon, we were in Superman mode.  Unpack the car, throw the groceries in the fridge, shed our town clothes and put on our walking stuff, lace up our boots and away we went down the hill.

Perfect temperature in the high 50's.  A little breeze.  And coming up from the valley to our east the faintest hint of smoke.  We think that probably someone was taking advantage of the good weather to burn a dozer deck or other pile of unwanted debris.

Down the road to the east.  And then turning to the south.  A flock of birds was circling over head.  Trying to identify them, we paused and listened to hear a call or a random peep.  Nothing.  They circled to the east, headed to the north, came back overhead.  And then I saw it.  The faintest hint of golden breast.  Meadowlarks!  I heard one calling a day or two ago...just one faint call and nothing more.  But here they were.  A whole flock of them dipping and diving and finally coming in for a landing just to the west of us, at home in the grass made golden by the setting sun.

Walking down along our pine grove we could smell that wonderful scent of green needles.  Soft wind was blowing the tops but no birds or creatures moved near us.  Down to the "new pond"...up to the banks after the  generous rain yesterday.  And then on to the "old pond" to check where we had left a stick to mark its high point.  Down an inch or two.  This pond used to be so lovely.  Clear water. Lots of life.  But then a few years ago its bottom turned over and it has suffered ever since.  We think it must have a hole somewhere because it loses water rapidly.  But it was so good to see it looking like its old self.

And then on up to the house.  The sun setting.  The glow of red and yellow outlining the distant hills, the house, the tree.  Just a perfect evening.  And many more to come.  At the end of the day.