A walk with my sister's dog

Late summer hung heavy in the air, smelling of dry grass and ground. A strong, steady breeze blew up river, ruffling Posie's fur as she snuffled along our path. We reached the overlook, both turning our faces into the wind, both drawing great, deep breaths through our noses, taking in summer like we could store it up to last through winter. Posie's nose turned to investigate a recently sloughed snake skin, cautiously approaching the "business" end. Once her curiosity was satisfied, we moved on into the welcome shade and began following a gravel path toward the formal gardens. We were tempted back into the sun by the sound of water gurgling from a fountain, but soon turned back to the cool path as it plunged into the woods, becoming more of a deer track than a cultivated walkway. We walked quietly, both listening to the sounds of the woods - birds, squirrels and chipmunks all rustling and chittering. Our track emerged from the woods, rejoining the road to home. We each took one last deep breath before going there, savoring summer and the joy of walking side by side.