#2620 the best thing (3/30)

I've used this one as my "best thing" before, but when it is the best thing about the day, it just is.

This evening around 6:22, I leashed up the doggos for a quick walk around the neighborhood. I worked from home today, so I'd been sitting for a long time, and it felt great to get some fresh air and stretch my legs. The dogs were surprising mellow, not pulling too hard, just intent on smelling all the smells and being outside. 

Just to be clear, when I work from home, the dogs are out in the back yard most all the day long. They chase after each other, and they play with the toys they leave out in the yard. They bark at innocent people walking by, and they wrestle each other. They lay in the grass, on the dirt, on the deck, or on the concrete. They dig holes. They run along the fenceline barking at the neighbor's dog, Sam. They come in and out of the house. In and out. In and out. They get treats. Today they got big marrow bones which kept them entertained for about an hour. On work from home days, I am certain that Mac and Harley are living their best dog lives. 

To add to that best life, when we go for a walk, these girls act like it is the greatest thing that has ever happened. I just say the word "shoes", and their ears perk up. Mac barks and prances around. Harley is  interested in every move I make while putting on socks, then shoes, and tying the laces. When I actually clip the leashes on, Mac often picks hers up and carries it to the door, where she then jumps, all four feet off the floor, until I gather up the ends of the leashes and open the door. 

So, back to today's walk. I know I am making the puppers happy just by walking them up the street and letting them smell what they need to smell. I recognize that they are both being attentive to my commands, paying attention when I tell them to slow down or to watch me before we cross the street. Mac even drops the random garbage she always picks up during our walks when I tell her to "drop it." 

I also recognize that it is a spectacular autumn afternoon. The sun is just starting to go down and the sky is a magnificent blend of blue and pink and pale orange. The leaves on the trees are changing colors or have fallen to the ground. It is satisfying to shuffle through leaves on the sidewalk, some already crunchy and some still sort of vibrant in a variety of colors. The air is crisp and clean. When I get away from the main road, it is quiet, with birdsong being the only thing I hear. There weren't even any cars coming up the road for awhile. 

I remember saying out loud, "Well, this is the best part of the day."  It's pretty dope to recognize it in the moment. 

Here's hoping you had a good day, or at least a good moment, too.