More often than not, it is the alarm that awakens me from my slumber. My feet hit the ground grateful for another day. I grab my robe as the mornings have that cool crisp air. Lila lays sleeping on her bed by the french doors that lead to our deck. I slowly make my way downstairs.
Lila, My ever faithful companion
I peer around the corner - Mela is on the couch - eyes closed doing her meditation. If I am a bit late she has started her yoga or the peloton. In the kitchen, I pour myself a cup of coffee and head back upstairs. I sit upright on the bed coffee in hand and Lila finds her rightful place by my side - head in lap. I come as close as I probably will to meditating scratching behind Lila’s ear, savoring my morning coffee and doing my best to count my blessings.
The coffee is gone and Lila is getting a tad restless. I get up once again and head to the closet to change for our walk. In short order Lila is laying on the cool bathroom tile at the entrance of the closet. But not before her yawn and perfect downward dog.
As I lace up my shoes, she knows it is almost time. Her excitement for our ‘journey’ is palpable. We head for the stairs. She flys down like the house is on fire. In the garage, I somehow manage to get her harness and leash on. We are on our way.
It is the same walk every day and I quickly settle in to my familiar routine. Lila does as well yet every mailbox, garbage can and succulent appears to be deserving of greater inspection on her part. Our neigborhood is hilly enough that I feel comfortable calling it exercise. We round the corner and Folsom Lake comes into view with the Sierras off in the distance. I never tire of the view.
We head toward the court where we pause and look west out toward downtown Sacramento. I do not miss the commute nor todays politial climate. We then conclude the last three blocks or so of our journey. Before going in we finish with a brief game of driveway tag. I suppose you have to see it to understand.
I grab my second cup of coffee and prepare to read a few pages of my book. Lila lays at my feet. We both relax for a few minutes more. The second cup of coffee is gone. It is time for the day to commence. We both look forward to tommorw morning…………..