Jack and I walked a bit earlier this Sunday morning than usual. It was the approximately the same time we had walked just a few weeks ago before the time change, but now with the legislated time change it was just before sunrise. In keeping with the clock or rather my iphone I had walked at our usual time the last couple of weeks, hence in the daylight.
We stepped out into the 32 degree Fahrenheit morning with just a last gasp of moon overhead. Yes, chilly and dark. We only walk a mile plus or so when Jack and I walk. At age 9 or 10 he is becoming a stiff Australian Shepherd and I am fairing only slightly better so we take only leisurely, sniffing, and listening walks.
Immediately, I became aware of how quiet it was — no sound of traffic from the major roadways a few miles from my place. At least it seemed quiet for a while. Behind the Woith’s place came the startling sound of an owl, taking just a moment for me to realize it was an owl’s screech, not a woman screaming. About a half mile or so down the road a rooster began his morning concert. And then there was the clomph-clomph-clumph sound behind me which I recognized immediately.
Mr. Ed (that is my name for a neighbor’s white horse) and Chester had come to the fence line to say good morning and see if I had any nibbles for them. I don’t feed my neighbor’s animals. but horses can be demanding and forgetful. We are pretty tame in my area. Horses, a pot bellied pig who caused considerable excitement on one of our walks, roosters and hens, goats, dogs both big and small, and the odd horse or two are our only population of critters to be encountered on our walks … if you don’t count the wildlife … possums, raccoons, deer, turkeys, snakes (not so much this time of year).
I did say hello to Mr. Ed. He is always a gentlemen and I rubbed his muzzle and spoke softly to him. Chester … well, Chester is a nibbler. Maybe they are love bites, but they hurt so I give Chester, the Scotland Pony, a wide berth.
Jack and I continued down the road, made our turn at Route 10 and began our return. Chester and Mr. Ed had moved on into the darkness of their pasture. The rooster and the owl had obviously gone back to sleep. Jack and I were rewarded with a glorious sunrise as we made the turn and headed east toward home.
Prince George VA & Environs 