Josse and I switched our day--which works better for both of us (well, now that it's summer). She needs to take it easy post hard Tuesday work-outs, and I need to ramp it up. 8:30's are my race pace and 8:30's is her 'easy' pace. Today I didn't bring my dogs-- and what do you think-- no one was on the trail to be bothered. Figures. It was a nice cool morning, but darker with the few clouds in the East. The river wasn't quite as cold today as it was last week (rain run off instead of snow melt is my guess). These rainy days have left everything so lush, fragrant, and green. I can't get over the smell and the feeling in the air. Everything is so alive. The river is running high and the sound of it almost takes my breath away. The rain has left the air humid, I can feel it on my skin (especially when I stop running and I'm suddenly dripping rivulets of sweat). My yard (although filled with weeds) is about to explode with roses. I cut two of my favorites that have just bloomed to perfection (Hope and Ingrid Bergman) to Josse to take back to her daughter. I should see a whole bush full of them in the next 4 days. Roses are just so fat and proud and strong. It's hard to not get all poetic about them. | 