We are out of the regular habit. And this week a lack of sleep (mostly due to work) has not allowed for a decent walk until today.

We four headed down the street in the dark. About half way to the park a car was idling in a driveway, reverse lights on. Do we wait or not? Are they going to back into us in the dark? I wear flashing lights most dark mornings, but even with flashing lights a driver must look.

We brave the 10 feet past the drive and are parallel to the front door just as a boy exits and turns to see us. His surprise - to discover two big dark dogs and two big people at the edge of the glow of his front porch light showed clearly. Even a gentle "Morning!" did not close his mouth or move his hand free of the front door.

The park was almost empty - cool and damp. A heavy dew covered the ground and a low wispy fog hugged the fields. We would see no creatures today save the insects enjoying the last of the good weather. Friends arrive as we leave. Our community of walkers and runners ebbs and flows.

We saw another neighbor lounging on one end of his porch reading the paper. And it was our turn for a surprise as a deep loud barking followed us up the street. Unseen at the edge of that porch light was a big, loud protective pup. Ours walked, heads turned in the direction of the barking.

It was still dark as we arrive home to prepare for our day.