Working On A Quirky Graph

I was up at 5 am again this morning. Not because of an alarm or a pressing need to be anywhere, but because my pet moose has trained me to get up early so we can walk. he loves going out early, when it is still dark out and the air is cooler. I know I’m grateful for the shorter days now as the heat is more contained during the mid day and I’m less likely to come home a sweating mess. He’s happy because there tend to be more squirrels and rabbits out that he can subtly stalk while I crunch the leaves along the sidewalk with my own brand of early warning system. We tend to get home before the sun has even fully crested the horizon, but are still treated to glimpses of the sunrise peaking through alleyways and streets.

Lou rarely checks out the impending sunlight however, intent on whatever smells he can gather on trees, the corners of buildings and signposts. He delights in each detail from these scent marker gossips, burying his nose completely in a patch of grass before formulating his reply by circling twice counterclockwise and adding to the discussion. Triumphant with his contribution, he often will spread the scent, kicking the dirt and grass, much like cross posting on several social media platforms. Meanwhile I’m cajoling him to finish so we can make our way home and I can get a coffee.

Morning are our longest walks as it tends to be the coolest and Lou gets so hot. But we will repeat this at least twice more today. The walks will alleviate his boredom, and soothe my guilt over his boredom. The exercise is also good for me as well. I’ve lost over 60lbs so far on this journey, and as I continue to slowly meander to a healthier weight, I have to give props to the moose for getting me out a few times a day as I’m not sure I would do that without his influence.

Of course, now that we’ve walked and he got breakfast, he gets to nap while I have to go about my day. And drink another coffee.