The official start is when we make the left turn off the sidewalk towards the machine shed where the side-by-side is parked. At this moment our dogs, Jack and Mali, race ahead of us to be first in. Loaded up, the four of us—Beth, the dogs, and me—enjoy a wind-in-our-face ride to the pond. Now we are living!
The pond is where we want to be on hot summer evenings. Mali squirms out through our legs the instant we are stopped. Jack jumps out then waits obediently for his life jacket from Beth. I dive in from the dock, instantly washing off a day's worth of dust and sweat. Beth tosses in Jack's inner tube with the plywood platform (for Jack to stand on), then she throws Jack's stick. Jack promptly swims after it. Beth dives in to join us. Mali, unlike Jack, is content to hunt frogs in the grass along the edge. Eventually we all enjoy a drying wind as we motor back to the house.
Once home, the dogs get beef liver treats for leading us on such a grand adventure. Now, accompanied by our beverage of choice (a gin and tonic or wine for Beth, beer or "brown water" for me,) Beth starts to work on a salad and I light the grill. Pork or beef from our freezer will go over the coals. Produce from our garden will go in the salad. Another evening of farm-to-table dining at Camp Doug(h).
Eventually the fire starts to fade. But it's not just the fire. Beth and I are fading too. There is one more thing to do: walk the dogs. You would think they could go on their own, but no, they wait for us. Under a starry summer sky we parade down the gravel road. Mali is always out in front. Jack usually brings up the rear. With a little luck, we may see a shooting star.
8 comments:
what a treat Doug! thanks so much for sharing a day in the life!
A nice word painting of a rich, full life.
Thank you, Doug. You are just as eloquent as your BFF!
So nice to imagine and feel that nice summer evening on this chilly afternoon. Thanks for sharing the beauty and peace.
Your genuine happiness shows. I am thrilled for both of you! Sounds like heaven on earth.
Nice. Your lives there sound lovely.
When are you coming to visit, Barbara???
Beth are you still living in Eldon at the Gothic House? Are you still teaching pie baking classes?
I just discovered your being at The American Gothic House and your story.
I hope you are still in Iowa and teaching how to make a pie.
Thank you!
Post a Comment