Cold Crisp and Sharp

 Winter Yard

One year ago we got a little dog.   Rudy was going to help me navigate the streets of Alameda.   Prior to that I meandered around, making connections with houses, people, plants and spent thoughtful time making quirky comments, comparisons and observations about what I saw.


When walking, little Rudy, is on a mission to find the next tree, he's unfriendly with strangers, and I have stopped taking my camera with me because fumbling for it while holding a leash was hard.  We developed a routine which kept me within 1/2 mile of home, and I had lost something which I now sorely miss--motivation and true appreciation of our lovely city.

I've had some quiet time lately and Rudy and I have come to a meeting of the minds.   I agree to continue walking him, even on our same old route, but I am not going to concern myself with being cute or smart or trying too hard.    I now carry a roomier bag that allows me to quickly remove my camera and snap.   That's it, just snap and if a thought comes I will add it as a reference, nothing else.  I don't have to be perfect, intellectual, or funny.  It doesn't have to "work". 

Alameda is just too beautiful and interesting place to be ignored.   I want my friends and myself to once again see it through my eyes, and get an idea of what it is like for a 65+ year old woman who lives in a city surrounded by water, with such a mix of people, buildings, workers, flowers and life!

Rudy agrees to point out interesting dog's-eye sights as well.

As I held my morning cuppa at the back door, our yard reminded me how we "have it all".  Room for play, water, sun, conversation, food and work.   What could be better!