Walking Through Fog Without Sticking My Thumb Out

An ode to the prairie

Yesterday morning we had thunderstorms at 8:30 in the morning. I’ve seen that happen before but it is not a common occurrence. Around here, thunderstorms usually happen in the late afternoon and evening.

This morning was different in a different way. After getting out of bed and putting my glasses on I looked out the window and was shocked to see a very thick fog. I could barely see the house across the street. Fog is not very common around here. What a delightful surprise!

As is my custom at this time of year, after putting on my glasses, getting dressed and urinating, the first thing I do in the morning is go outside for a short predawn walk. I want to connect with the paradise that is our world before my brain gets into gear and starts thinking a lot. I’ve found this to be the very best way to start one’s day — at least during those times of year when it’s not 5 below zero outside at that time of day. It’s a time of day when bunny rabbits are scampering about everywhere and birdsong is at its peak. Some people need coffee first thing in the morning. I need birdsong.

What a sensational thrill it was to take my predawn walk through a thick fog! That is not something I can do very often. It’s like I went to sleep last night on the Great Plains but…