Wow, today is one of those days (like most, actually) that you’re glad you woke up in the mountains. I got up at my normal 5 am to find that the natural world was also stirring. The sun had yet to rise, but a pleasant cacophony of birds calling to each other had begun to fill the air.

The wee hours of the morning are my favorite because I feel like I am privvy to a world that I alone experience. Even the dogs are still fast asleep, waiting for Kristin to wake up and cue their days beginning. It’s just as well, because the deer that sleep in the front fields probably haven’t roused yet either and the dogs would surely love to provide them with an early wake up call! The deer are pretty used to the dogs by now and while they still run when they see them, you get a sense that they aren’t really worried about them either. I would hate for Charlie to try and assert his canine authority on a herd of sleeping deer only to find out that they aren’t morning creatures. Deer can be wicked with their hooves when startled.

Now, as 9 o’clock approaches the world is well awake. Squirrels are bouncing around the property with a spring in their step as they search beneath the bird feeders for stray sunflower seeds and the birds that nest in the boxwoods scramble around inside them as I pass by. The leaves are ready to burst out of the trees and I can see that our world is about to turn green again. The sun is burning away the last of the mist of the night and soon I can hit the parkway for a ride. Speaking of this world I luckily call home, I think I need to cut this short and get out in it. I will spend enough time inside painting today and need to steal as much fresh air as possible before I start!

Stay well!