January 11, 2012

Gifts from Larkspur Street

Living in this part of town has given me so many gifts these last four years.  Here are two from this week:

On Sunday, I almost skipped my run.  I was reading a friend’s chapter on Virginia Woolf until it was nearly dark, and I was, well, a little glum about how I’ll be leaving my trails behind soon.  Now, that is no reason to turn down a trail run, but you try telling that to the glums.  Beckett and I got out the door anyway and zipped over to Barton Nature Area and ran out along the path by Barton Pond.  Turning for home, I saw the most incredible moonrise through whispy clouds as swans and geese settled in for the night on the pond.  

And, just this morning, as I was pulling out of the driveway to run some errands, who should happen across Barton Lane but our neighborhood’s resident coyote, looking auburn-tipped and prosperous in his splendid winter coat.  He turned and took a long look at me with that broad, wolfish hybrid’s face before he stepped into the woods when I rolled down the window to enjoy him.  It’s only the second time I’ve seen him, but I have often enjoyed his song.