For the first time since Covid struck a month ago (two months, maybe?) I went for a walk in the woods with Zinnia.

It was beautiful; I hope to do it every day as soon as it gets cooler and the bugs vanish for the season.

It was beautiful, peaceful, healing, and uplifting. One of the things Covid left me with was inflamed joints, which still bother me, but I’m walking much more.

The silence caressed me like a loving hug.

It was relaxed but comfortable; we have another frost advisory tonight.

Today I could walk more than a mile into the beautiful and deep woods of our good friend and neighbor. The silence was beautiful music for me. Zinnia seemed happy to get me out and to walk.

It was meditation all of its own, calming and healing.

We saw an owl up in the woods, overseeing us. I think he was considering eating Zinnia but thought better of it.

Maria has been walking Zinnia and Fate into the woods regularly; I don’t want to hold her back; I have to work up to it a bit. Zinnia was happy to be in the woods and picked up the squirrel chasing habit, probably from Bud.

She didn’t catch any – the squirrels are much faster than she is – but she had a good time and even plowed into the muddy pond. Autumn is beginning to show up in these beautiful woods; I see some photo possibilities; I took one shot today.

This is one of Zinnia’s favorite muddy swamps, it was a joy to see her wading out there again, and she is the perfect companion on a walk, as Maria has learned.

I am so happy to be back in these woods; they nourish my soul and touch my heart.