Monday, July 20, 2026, 54.3* F, 84% RH, 0654
Ruger pulled himself into a sitting position early morning but did not move further. “Come.” He laid down again. Door left open in case he changed his mind, I walked through the gate alone. More cone flowers in the hidden garden, tickseed, evening primrose, mosquitoes. I kept walking although my calves seized by cramps during sleep felt like twisted limbs. Dew so heavy my first thought was “frost.” He put tools in the red truck. Hugged me in the kitchen before leaving. Sky blue, sun white. The wind of yesterday, gone with every drop of rain. There were times wind seemed to blow from the ground displaying the underside of leaves.
Fingers cold sitting on deck Ruger beside me panting. Zayne exploring fenced-in-land, Zsolt coming to me, going. Bird voices carried: Common Yellowthroat, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Common Grackle, Red-eyed Vireo, American Crow, Ovenbird, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern-wood Pewee, Mourning Dove.
I do not determine what the day presents. I listen. I watch.
Photo: LJ Austin
