You don't have to be a weather man...

We were in the middle of a change in the weather as we headed to the park today. Still dark at 6:00 a.m.(thank you daylight savings - meh), the wind gusted from the west blowing away the fog we had expected. But the sky was still overcast, blocking the stars and our anticipated view of the sunrise.

A raccoon lumbered across the street as we neared the top of the steep hill. He ignored us and the dogs barely noticed him.* Paddy seemed more concerned about shadows - alerting on ours each time we passed a street light, when our shadows seemed the greatest threat.

We skipped the muddy dirt road and the soggy fields, and tried to stay on the walking paths, but our way was blocked by construction netting. We didn't notice the barrier until we were upon it (and read the sign) but knew we could cut through the clover of four ball fields (they sit backstops backed into the corners of crossed walkways**).

As we turned to start back across the park we saw that the clouds were gone - blown far to the east. The morning star (Yeah, I know. It was really a planet - Venus.***) was shining in the east.****

Venus in the eastern sky

And we were surprised to see the almost full moon, hanging in the western sky. We had not realized we were walking under a full moon until that moment. The moon felt close and we could see the dark patterns across its surface. And we watched as it dropped lower and lower until it disappeared from view.

Moon

Hovering over the woods

Last of the clouds in the distance

We followed directions - dogs were leashed, in this park anyway.

 The streets were still deserted as we headed home in the early light. Neighbors were waking. Lights came on in house after house and we walked up the street to the morning music of barking dogs and singing birds.

* DH and I often disagree about the identification of creatures - especially in the dark. But there was no mistaking the size/shape/gait of the raccoon.

** I thought of including a Google map of the park, but then thought better of it.

*** Another planet was shining in the western sky. Which one?

**** DH provided his phone for the photos. What a guy!