How could a day be any more perfect?  Not having to work!  Still the day before the solstice is as perfect as a day can be.  Clear, 80° high absolutely beautiful.  I have my first hike since Saturday.  No extra weight, not too far.  Perhaps I have gained some wisdom.  The view over the lake is gorgeous.  Visibility more than 40 miles.  The mottled light through the trees plays with my eyes as I walk the summit.  No people today, a few birds.
Back home I cook and eat on the patio.  Watch a family of Nuthatches chase each other from tree to tree.  5 birds all on one trunk.  It is so very lovely.  The Grosbeak sings, the Chipmunk scurries through the hostas.  The shades of green and the sun to the west.  As I eat my dinner of grilled fish and vegetables it cools noticeably.  I must either build a fire or go inside to stay warm.  This writing drives me to the latter.
 
 
