Morning

The woods out back are part of a sanctuary; visits by bald eagles, deer, and even the rare moose happen. I’ve never set up a wildlife camera, but the attention spent by our cats and dogs on nocturnal events implies that while we are asleep, lots must be happening outside. Even now, while it’s crisp and cold out, there is activity in the back of our lot. The rabbits, hares, squirrels, chipmunks, and birds are always active.

 In the warmer weather, I sit near the pond in the morning for meditation. But it is often interrupted by the dog and cat. They sometimes enter into a collaboration to unsuccessfully hunt for frogs. The frogs croak back at them, a form of amphibian laughter. About the time I filter out the splashes and croaks, It’s time for a second cup of coffee. And I have to shepherd cat and dog back into the house.

Later, from the side door, my brave frog hunters watch chipmunks and birds at the feeder while I read the news.