Walking the dog

Pull on one layer, then another, just in case. Hat, scarf, definitely gloves.

Big brown eyes watch me. She circles impatiently. She knows. All the signs are there. Then yes! I pick up the lead. It can only mean one thing. Time for a walk.

I’m taking the dog out but the reality is, she’s taking me out.

Today, the coldest day in months. A grey, sullen sky hangs. There is none of the sharpness, the detail of a bright sunny, frosty morning. It is. Just. Cold.

But I am determined. This dog needs walked. If I don’t go now it will be worse later.

The mist is not just around me. It’s a fog in my head.

Marching, moving fast, keeping warm. I have purpose. I’m on a mission. This dog will be walked and so will I.

I am not the only one wearing a big winter jacket. The horses in the field are newly dressed in clean, brightly coloured coats. They watch us with steady eyes as we pass.

A single leaf floats down in slow motion. Encouraging me to admire its colour, shape, pattern before it merges into the patchwork carpet before us.

An outsize crow caws. The wind sighs, travelling from tree to tree.

My eyes lift up. Maybe tomorrow will be the day of winter blue skies with marshmallow clouds?

Then it is here.

The clearing.

I am ready once again.

My steps, which have slowed down begin to speed up. Once again, determination, enthusiasm awakens within me.

I know what I must do.

My arms are swinging now, even the dog walks faster. She must know we’re on the way home. We both do.

 

 

There are too many quotes about walking to list so here are just a few.

Walking is man’s best medicine. Hippocrates

If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress. Barack Obama

This might be one of my favourites!

I don’t know what my path is yet. I’m just walking on it. Olivia Newton-John

 

I’d like to add. Sometimes you just have to go for a walk.