Walking With Drew

I text Drew from the car before heading home after work. It is so gorgeous out I want to take a walk before we have dinner. I made sure to get away on time for a change and not hang over to clear up questions. I almost feel guilty sneaking out right at 5, and am a bit surprised to realize everyone else is doing it too!

Drew grabs the dog and her leash and we head to Henpeck Park. Since we have mostly walked toward Manitou Road, we decide to head in the opposite direction. The canal walk is busy. Lots of joggers, bikers, dog walkers, and friends meandering. I am happy to meander. Though the trees are still bare branched, the grass is glorious green and little flowers pop out here and there. The water in the canal is still at the low level, filled with scummy green moss and brown with dirt. Here and there some bit of junk floats, a half of a pink ball, an empty Clorox container.

Sugar is delighted to be out and wanders all over the path. Drew has a hard time keeping her under control. Every time we see people coming (especially bikes) he makes her sit. But getting her to stay until the all clear is another matter altogether. She just wants to lick everybody in sight.

Suddenly a fish leaps from the puddle of water in the canal. It is a huge carp that clear the water and then vanishes into the murky shallows, leaving behind rings to mark the place. I am shocked that a fish so huge can exist in so little water. One of the women walking past tells me they are mating like the salmon do. Fish Erotica, she calls it. I don't care what they are doing. I just can't imagine staying alive in a teacup of water!

Sugar doesn't care one fig about the fish. Drew urges her to run on ahead with him, but she cannot leave me behind. She half heartedly runs with Drew, but keeps looking back to make sure I am coming. I walk a bit faster. She does not let me out of her sight. Ah, kids. Your life is never your own.