Today was the first dry day we've had in a week and the last one we'll have for another week, according to the forecast. I've been cooped up in my trailer so I go out and do some errands. Everyone is out today. They're walking their dogs and playing frisbee golf and horseback riding. We're all feeling grateful for the chance to be outdoors and greet each other with smiles and cheerful 'hello's'. It's a great day to be in Chico.
I get some tubes for my bike tires, a batterey for my powersaw and spray paint for an art project I'm working on. I flirt with the cashier at Home Depot, and joke with the cop in line ahead of me. He's wearing a "Bomb Squad" shirt and purchasing a piece of quarter inch plywood. "Building something to practice dismantling bombs", I ask. He says no, he's making a cupboard to go next to the coffee pot at the station. "Seriously?" I say. "So, this morning in debriefing your Captain looked at the most skilled, well-trained guy in the room and assigned him to building a place for Pop-Tarts rather than fighting crime? Am I the only one who finds this amusing?" The cop laughs and wishes me a good day. "Be safe," I say, and head home.
As I'm riding through Bidwell Park I pass a woman walking a Cocker Spaniel. She's on the phone, and I hear her say, "GOOD FOR YOU!! You're learning to let go. I'm sooo proud of you...." Her voice is all effusive praise. I'm looking at her dog as I hear this. His eyes are sleepy smiles. His tail is a constant wag. And his chest is puffed out, slightly. It's obvious he thinks the woman is praising him. He has no clue she's on the phone. I laugh out loud on this remarkable, perfect day.
