Two clouds were we.....

.....wandering about in lonely synchronization.

Yesterday was the first day in a row of many when it didn’t rain. The pavement was slick with water, still scurrying down the gutters, still covering the deserted streets with thin sheets of 'wet'. Nonetheless, we walked beside ourselves on top of the mirror that lay beneath our feet. We made a little game of it, with Oz the Mighty pulling me along in his excitement to smell what he could smell and see what he could see.

Today is another glorious day without rain but there is frost on the roof tops and the cold wind plays a cutting game. As we take another walk through the neighborhood, the scent of burning wood and billowing smoke from chimneys fills the silence on this dark afternoon, commingling with a wafting perfume of extraordinary pine, down into the valley where we live.

Some houses shine with the glow of blinking lights, over arbors - along fence lines- around windows, reflecting off the streets and drives and walks. Pine cones glisten on water laden trees, while clumps of mistletoe dangle from bare branches in delicate clusters.

Colorful candy-canes make a welcome to Julie’s house - and wooden pelicans, perched on a neighbor's porch down the way, wear the same 'Santa' hats they wore last year.

I smile at the Barista who stands in the doorway of his store and waves as we walk by, and good tidings are exchanged with the bank teller who always has a biscuit for Ozzy. Why should today be any different?

We are in the season ~ and love abides.