Deep in August

   I went to walk by the river in the local state park today. This was a hot day, but not the 95F that was threatened. Unfortunately for the misanthropist in me, many many other people were also lured into the beauty and the park was as packed as I've ever seen it. I was happy that so many people were enjoying themselves, but it was impossible to find a quiet corner for selfish aloneity.
   There was still enough water to sing over the stones and to cool tired feet. Kids were having the time of their lives plunking pebbles and screaming at the splash.
   The forest has been saved from annihilation so far this summer by continuing morning fogs. It is unusual to have so much moisture in the air this deep into August. And yet, there was a constant light fall of gold leaves this afternoon, as though the sycamores were tired of it all and just want to move into autumn as quickly as possible.
   I agree with the trees, for this year, anyway. Weathermen promise rain, but four years of drought makes me want to tell them not to raise all our hopes. Maybe they are trying to subtly warn us to fill the sandbags early, on the off chance that their computer models are actually right. Wet, dry, it seems we are in a period of extremes, where blessings can and are expected to turn into disasters.
   My, I thought I was in a good and peaceful mood when I began. Beneath the surface is always a river of worry. But below that: a spring of unquenchable joy, if I will only let go of grasped straws and sinking paper boats, and dive down to find it.
   If only.

The Perseids were a bust again around here. I can count the falling stars I saw in the entire last two weeks on two hands, and that's including going outside at around 1 a.m. during the peak on three different nights. The night sky is, however, not without its rewards, whether or not pieces of dust hit the atmosphere. Leaning back in a sky-watching chair with a glass of wine or a blanket opens one up to the contemplation of matters other than paying the bills and wondering if I'm living up to my potential. So. That's what I'm going to do right now.

   Fuzzy boots--check.
   High school football game blanket--check
   Kitty jumping off the roof and settling in my lap--not check yet, but soon will be.