The sky clouded over before noon which meant that it was probably going to rain at some point. So far it hasn’t, but I saw it falling on the San Juans to the west. I looked at Teddy and thought, “It’s his turn today.” All about fair play here at Casa di Marta, Orsa e Teddolino. I put Teddy’s bug-deterring bandana on him and we drove out to the refuge which, lately, has been more like additional torture.
Today it was a refuge. The sky was overcast, and a cool breeze was coming off the rainy San Juans. For July it could not have been better. Nary a mosquito or deer fly to molest us on our peregrination.
Here’s what I saw when I stepped out of Bella.
There was no need to hurry. No thunderstorm on the offing. No biting bugs to chase us away. Just a perfect day. I’m deeply grateful. I needed it.
The geese are gone. Some of the black birds have gone. All that remain around the pond and in the willow-tree slough are a few red wing blackbirds, tree swallows and lark buntings. But at our half-way point I noticed the slow flap of a large winged bird flying low over the grass. It was a female red tail hawk. She flew low and slow over me to see what my story was. I was so happy to see her that I got tears in my eyes. For some reason, I regard them as friends.
Teddy and I kept going, in absolutely no hurry, savoring the freshness of the day. A car passed us. An old guy kind of waved — I think people are getting disgusted and jaded at this point. Or maybe it’s all the politics. I shrugged. I know what my job is.
“Isn’t it, Teddy?”
On our return, I stopped to enjoy the wind and the silence. I was stunned when a mountain blue bird flew past, not 8 inches from my face. I’m sure the wind carried him there, but it made me happy. A lot happens in places like the Big Empty if you just stand still for a while, as the hawk and the bluebird reminded me.
Thank you everyone for the moral support his morning when I was discouraged about writing my blog during these times when nothing happens (and nothing happening is a good thing…) Every writer wants to write words that are meaningful to those who read them. ❤
Things always seem better from an outdoor vantage. Teddy and Bear know.
Aren’t mountain bluebirds the best? Such an amazing color.
Keep blogging, Martha, however often your muse nudges.
❤
I’m so glad you and Teddy went walking in the Big Empty — and that it was so good for you today. Sometimes a break in nature is just what the ‘doctor’ ordered! You’ve inspired me in a way not expected — we have had cooler weather for the last few days, and I’ve prepared the edge of my fake grass to plant some portulaca (moss rose) in the 6-inch edge — if they come up it will be very colorful and pretty — if not, it was still worth the $5 it cost!
My grandma always grew those in a wash basin. I love them. I grew them in Descanso. I should grow them here. They’re so cheerful and pretty.
Peaceful thoughts. What a wonderful place x
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Wonderful post. So calming…glad you had a bug free day on the Big Empty…we are grey and humid here, so many mosquitoes on our Big Empty walk today.
It’s that time of year. I can live with mosquitoes but those deer flies are another thing. I got bit last year and it was painful and took a long time to heal. ❣️to Ophelia from Teddy
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Oh, that adorable smiling face of little Teddolino…what an absolute cutie! Glad you had a good time, Martha.
thank you, Lois. We really needed it. ❤
That sure looks like Bug Heaven but beautiful all the same. A nature break – especially in your slice of heaven – sounds like it was perfect timing. Glad you are feeling better. Nature can do that. ❤️
Nature is my best friend. All we need (and thankfully we get a lot of it) is some wind to keep the bugs at bay.
And then after that, the cold weather…
Yay!!! ❤
🙂
What a happy boy, and I can see why! That sky…
He loves it out there. Sometimes he stops and jumps up on me for a hug. I think he’s saying “Thanks” or maybe “Let me off this leash!” Not sure…
Maybe both:)
🙂 Probably…
Here’s to good friends and good walking weather.
❤
The clouds almost make the mountain look like a volcano letting off steam! Teddy appears to be having a great time!! Hope the bugless weather continues and if it does rain it is a cooling one…
ps I enjoy even the most mundane blogs. I guess it is the voyeur in me!
That’s interesting because that mountain actually IS a very enormous (and ancient) volcano. :O
Daily writing is out best defense against cynicism.
Until yesterday I didn’t appreciate the significance of my little life to others in these times. It was humbling and heart-warming. I’ll keep at it.
Really amazing 👍
Thank you. ❤