A Perfect day

Today was great. I got up early and went to mass and prayed for all those in the animal kingdom.This was after having stepped on Nevin's dog Lilly, at my grandnephew Miko's fourth birthday party (again, Happy Birthday Miko ! )

Lilly is a little Yorkshire terrior who has the energy of a cheetah. She must have fetched nearly 20 pitches I threw throughout Playground Fantastico. Then it happened. I turned to throw the ball in another direction and I stepped on her leg. She yelped and I felt terrible. I thought that I had broken her leg which could have easily happened. Nevin assured me that she was alright, but that did not make me feel any better. Eventually I lightened up a bit and was reassured that Lilly would be fine.

It was never my intent to hurt Lilly, of course... but this small event has made me reflect on those times when I have been an unconscious ass.Okay, so nobody is perfect.I realize today that everything I do has some sort of effect, and it is my job to be AWARE.

However,today the only control I have is over the consequences of my behavior. NOW is the time to take full responsibility for my actions. I have made some big mistakes, and the jury will be out on the extent of my part until the day I pass from this life.Today I make amends, which is to say that I am prepared to rectify any wrongdoing (intentional or otherwise).

I repeat however, that Today was a perfect day. I went over to my friend Don's house in Oakmont and left to drive to Armstrong woods for a four hour hike toward Bullfrog pond.We packed our napsacks with bottled water and fruit, and walked through the most beautiful and spellbinding forest outside of Muir Woods.The sun filtered through the tall trees as we made our way up and down steep inclines.

Spring is still a few weeks off, but you would not have known it by the type of day it was today.Here is a picture of some nice folks and their dogs.

Jo,Stuey,Nevin and Lilly