a break

South central Wisconsin gets a break from "very unhealthy," and even "unhealthy" air. By mid morning, we put "unhealthy for sensitive groups," and then "moderate" behind us, and hit "good!" I realize that this may change as destructive fires are still burning up north, but Millie and I are grateful for the break. Our breakfast out he porch? It lasts well over an hour.

(a few minutes of lap time)

 

 

 (what's blooming on the Steffi porch...)

 

 

Millie's incision is still bothering her -- she whimpers initially this morning. But then her meds kick in and she is like her old self. Indeed, too much so. I'm to walk her only for quick bathroom breaks. When I dropped the leash to turn off the hose -- something that is usually risk free as she always stays by my side, not being a squirrel chaser or especially outgoing toward strangers or their dogs -- this time she does a mad zoomie run around me, clearly enjoying her leash-free existence. (I discuss this with the clinic -- they suggest calming meds, as the girl really needs to abandon her friskiness for the next ten days.) 

I dont have the heart to leave her alone quite yet (except briefly, say to put in a plant!) but at the same time, I do believe she is feeling a little housebound. There's only so much excitement her raggedy or chewy toys can bring her. I schedule a lunch with Ed at Tati's. It requires of her a quietness and stillness, but at the same time it offers visual stimulation. (It's a shame she's indifferent to the TV set -- I could see us binge watching suspense series, or even canine movies. Unfortunately, she gives the set a glance and moves on to see what else in life is interesting and perhaps a bit more challenging, not realizing that there's wonder in doing nothing more than staring at the screen.)

(a tilted selfie)

On the way home, we stop by the farmette -- I have more compost to dump there. And of course, the lilies are breathtakingly beautiful. I snip off a few spent flowers, trying to hold back that feeling of wanting to fix something that just isn't under my care anymore. 

 

(nymphs and shepherds...) 

 

Now that the smog has lifted (at least temporarily), I'm itching to go outside at Steffi's House and Garden.  I have some more ideas -- endless ideas, because, well, this place has so much potential still!

It was a welcome reprieve. I know people who are dealing with the fires on a more personal level (instead of just the residual smoke) have so much more to worry about, still it was tough to go through a day of such smoke. Today, the skies looked beautiful again.

 

with so much love...