Katie and I are out on the deck this Friday morning mostly because she’s so persistent.  She’s been bugging me constantly and I’ve done all the things this usually means including going outside with her so that she can do her job 3 times.  In an hour.  Which apparently is not what she really meant when she whined at me 2 of the times.

Now we’re outside and finished practicing weaves.  I’ve settled in with my laptop and she’s bugging me again, poking her nose against my leg, sniffing my pocket.  Just in case.  When most people check their pockets before doing laundry it’s to look for keys or, even better, money.  I check to make sure they’re empty of dog treats.  I know many of you relate.

I notice it’s not so humid nor as hot as it’s been for the past few weeks.  And when Katie and I went off to do our weekly adventure yesterday I saw a tree that was turning colors.  This morning the goldfinches are fighting over the thistle feeder, eating like pigs in preparation for migration…but at least they are still gold.  Geese are beginning to fly in formation when all summer I’ve seen them in pairs.  Just now the wind picked up and I am saddened to see golden leaves dropping from the birch trees, gathering on the deck.  And a burning bush in the back yard glows with just a hint of the red that is coming.

So…my response to Katie begging for attention is the same as my response to the subtle clues that summer is ending:   WHAT!!????