Since losing Shadow, I haven't done much woods walking. My heart just wasn't in it without my little gray shadow, but last night the birds were beckoning, I couldn't refuse.

I took Webby and Kit, the fox terrier... no Hobbes to follow anymore either, so sad. Webby and Kit looked pretty puzzled, as it was raining. Webby gave up half way down the lane, when I reached the creek I heard him crying, so I retraced my steps and found him gingerly trying to negotiate the puddles on the path, I picked him up and carried him. The creek was flood stage, so I didn't get to splash in it, I wandered in the edge of it for a few minutes, then went back up through the lower garden. (the lower garden is a natural clearing in the woods filled with wild flowers and getting taller everyday grasses...) Webby wanted down finally, and he and the dog slowly followed me through the sodden weeds to the pasture. Webby took a different trail to the house when he saw me cross to the horses. Kit headed for the barn where it was dry. Everybody got back to the house about the same time. I felt peaceful, the cat and dog felt wet.

Three hours later last night Webby got revenge. I was at the computer and he jumped in my lap with his still sodden little body and tucked himself under my chin... Maine Coons do not dry quickly.

Copyright © Marcia Newell
May 9, 2002