Nature's Pattern Continues

It took a little searching, but we found them on a walk tonight - the turkey vultures have indeed returned to the 'hood. They have just chosen a stand of pines a couple blocks south of the past two years' venue. As we walked, they were flying in to roost, settling and re-settling in the pines, after a day of whatever vultures do - I picture them feasting on dead things. I guess it's a living.

This walk was the start of a mellow-ish weekend. Followed the walk up with a sit-down on the deck with the dog. This was a thing I would do with our previous animal - pass knowing glances as we surveyed the estate for signs of life and movement. This dog was not quite as content as his predecessor, issuing occasional little whines, but he eventually settled down and patiently stared out at the lawn.
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Tomorrow will not be a fun day. Linda's itinerary includes two funerals; mine the latter one. The first is an acquaintance's mother whom we had never met. The second is a member of our church named Al, who was 84, served in the War, and had a career teaching and administering schools. We only knew the retired Al, but we saw him a lot around town, pedaling his bicycle, decked out in hunter's orange. On the Fourth we'd see him piloting his Model T in the parade. It was immaculate.

Most memorably, we were out at the reservoir one day when Al drove up in his pickup, dislodged a kayak, put it in at the boat launch, and paddled one lap around the perimeter of the reservoir. Pulled it back out, loaded it in , and drove off after exchanging some pleasantries.

I can't explain it, exactly, but I have deep admiration for people like Al who just seem to follow their own guidance system, even (especially!) at a ripe old age.

I'd like to think Al is biking around some gold-paved street right now. Probably doesn't need the hunter's orange.