Lenore and I have a new daily ritual, the afternoon walk. I keep her on the leash most of the day, let her off to greet neighbors and their dogs. She walks easily and companionably. I see that I have to learn to quiet my mind. In two weeks, I am going to spend a day with some Buddhists to learn more about meditation at a retreat in Vermont. I am seeking more peacefulness, need to slow my mind down and be calmer, more creative.

I love my afternoon walks with Lenore. Labs know how to do this, and when I turn and take the camera out, Lenore, like all my dogs, knows what to do.