a beautiful sunday morn

since Monday i have been out of the house before 6:00 and headed for a 46 acre bean field. the field had a good growth of long-neglected mulberry sprouts. armed with a sharp shovel and axe, and a dull mind, i meticulously cleared the field of these unwanted 'guests'. by 8:30 it was too hot for me to continue. i would cool off and then spend a couple of hours working in the flower beds and vegetable garden.

this morning, once again, i was out early and headed for another bean field. but this time i was on a hike to enjoy a small meadow with a lovely pond. i had hopes of photographing the scenery and wildlife - deer and, perhaps, even turkey.

as i walked west down the gravel lane it was light out, but the sun wasn't yet quite visible. there was a refreshingly cool breeze stirring. to my left there was a sudden movement in the trees. an owl! i hadn't counted on this. i glimpsed it for just a brief second, but still....an owl!

i continued up the lane and as i cleared the first rise i came face-to-face with a turkey hen. surprised, i froze. she turned and turkey-trotted down the road. i dug for my camera, still cased and pocketed. she flew. i missed the shot. but i was off to a great start.

at the top of the next rise i turned into the bean field and headed north. another half mile and i reached the meadow. no deer. but lots of birds and bunnies, though none of which showed in any interest in having their picture taken. it didn't matter. i had reached the peaceful spot i had set out to find.

i sat at the edge of the field and enjoyed my view. i thought. the sun was warm on my back and the breeze cool in my face. it was a glorious morning.

no deer. but a turkey. and an owl! well, maybe an owl. it was just a brief second. but who gives a hoot?

a great morning to be alive.

a lovely day to be in love.