It's In the Air

[TARNATION !!!]

Every year there is a day that let's you know it's getting close. Yesterday, CHARLIE and KYRA had a later than usual exercise run in the country. A hun stopped picking grit from the gravel road to fly a few yards into a field, as we were nearing one of our favorite spots. We stopped near a little used rail line and the two burst from the car in unison and made it a hundred yards down the dirt road before stopping for breath. The sun was low and within minutes it was a ball of fire on the horizon. There had been a vapour trail from a jetliner passing over that had dissipated and became gilded into the sunset colors. The dogs enjoyed jumping a couple ducks lazily floating in a shallow slough. They carried on chasing and being chased by a few avocets. We were in that magical half hour after sunset when many a game bird has been taken. The pungent odors of the country-side had that hint of fall and the air was crisp - not cold but a definite change from the last few weeks of more heat than a temperate zone person enjoys (probably cool for some southerners). Yesterday was the first day of 2010 that said time to make sure the huntin' irons are ready to go. Yes, it is still several weeks hence, but Mother Nature has served notice.

Cheers,
Jack