It is outside season, fully, unabashedly. After our weekday workout and dog walk, we make espressos, extra hot and steaming, in my case, before heading to the porch. We plug in the fountain and are transported, a distant creekside, the burble and rush meditative and most pleasant.

Some days I clumsily pile books and reading glasses, settling in for the long haul. Juniper stays within earshot, until each coffee mug is thoroughly dispatched and licked good and proper. We puzzle – each our own. I read and plant gaze. I read and bird gaze. I read and sky gaze. I have a cooling snack. I might even nap if the elements are right.