SOLSC '20 Day Eighteen: A letter from home

Dear beloved daughter and son,

I went for a walk on the hike and bike trail this morning, the one behind our house.  I had forgotten earbuds, and the sound of sandy gravel crunching under my heavy steps seemed loud against the quiet backdrop of the gray, misty sky.  Only a few dog walkers were out and about; the rest of the trail was all mine.

I came up to the big fig tree on the left.  You know, the one just at the bend on the other side of the trail, the one I would point out to you at the change of the seasons.  I thought of the two of you when you were small and still learning about spring.  Since you both are grown up and far away right now, I took some pictures to remind you. 

The squirrels seem to be getting bolder; they don't skitter away as quickly when I approach.  You know I have a love-hate relationship with them ever since one lived in the house for five days during our Tokyo trip...but they are cute.

It rained a little while we were away in Denton.  The grass is so green in and around the drainage creek!  I didn't see the herons or turtles today.

After I crossed the bridge, I noticed the blue sky finally peeking through. I was hoping it would stay and I could sit outside today, but I could see more gray clouds coming.

When I stopped to take this picture of more green-space, there was a lady off to the right of the trail testing her dogs' training.  The beautiful German shepherd and a smaller speckled dog were being so good, sitting and staying at the edge of the trail until she told them to come.  She continued to walk with them; the dogs were so joyful, rolling in the dewy grass and chasing after the squirrels.

The park maintenance crew put a cover over the new-ish playscape.  From the kitchen window, I've seen some families playing there this past week.  

Our backyard is green, too!  Your father has already mowed a couple of times this past month.  I'm hoping to get some new plants this week to put in the containers on the back porch.

Remember when the big tree on the side of the house cracked in half last fall?  I'm still surprised it didn't do more damage to our fence or the air conditioning unit.  Anyway, it doesn't seem to care that half of it is missing; it is leafing out beautifully.  It will be a shame when your father gets around to taking it down.  We'll definitely have to replace it when he does.

I hope you've enjoyed our picture walk together.  I'm looking forward to the next time you come home so we can see the season's changes on the hike and bike together.  Until then, be well!

I love you both so very much, 

Mom