A year ago

It's a year ago today, almost to the hour, that Sprocket died down at the vet's. I still haven't quite got over the shock and despair at his passing and I suppose I never will. I think of the little scoundrel most days, especially when out on dogwalks with wee Jocky, and the way his life was cut short by that terrible cancer. Didn't realise he was seriously ill, even on his last dogwalk. Re-enacted that walk yesterday evening with Jock and thought of Sprocky trotting across the field in the lowering sun on his way back to the car. He must have been in pain but he didn't show it. Then I turned to the hill where his ashes are scattered, hoping for a sign that he was with us in spirit. Maybe a gust of wind or a circling hawk. But there was nothing. Just the sunlit brow of a grassy hill against a clear, blue, evening sky. Just as it was a year ago.

  

The end of summer

Great weather recently. Bright sunshine, clear blue skies and temperatures up in the high thirties. Unfortunately Georgie spent most of this week chained to her laptop doing freelance work. However, I did manage to drag her out for an evening swim on Wednesday up at Lake Marie where it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The good thing about going up there in the evening is that most of the visitors (not that there are that many - Lake Marie is a well-kept secret with those that know its location) have already packed up and hit the homeward trail. Also, I much prefer the evening light with the low sun sparkling on calm waters and sending shafts of sunlight through lakeside trees. On a sunny evening like last Wednesday, the place is truly magical.

Georgie continued working on the Thursday and consequently missed another fine day. The temperature hit 38°, making it the hottest day of the year. After four or five days of gorgeous sunshine, I felt it couldn't last so I checked the weather forecast. Sure enough, Friday was predicted to be cloudy with a bit of rain and falling temperatures. I tried to convince Georgie to come for a final evening swim at Lake Marie before the clouds rolled in, but she said she had to finish her work, so I went up there on my own.

Thursday evening's visit was a bit later than usual so the sun was really low. By the time I'd finished a quick swim, taken a few snaps and returned to the car, the sun was falling below the western horizon and I remember thinking, well, there it goes, that's the end of summer. Been a good 'un.