Getting home before dark managed to bring with me a found white-coated, wire shelf system; Similar to the other room, from the Windsor re-store. Giving us an evening project.

Fortunately with lots of hanging experience I made it easy on Arlene letting her use the power tools. I did all the measuring and holding. She was of course delighted to finally be able to hang her good clothes, especially if an interview does come up.

She carried most of the conversation recanting what she could recall of recent dreams. One mentioned was amusing; Her as She-ra, riding a unicorn: impaling a line of guys that say, 'nice ass lady.' While she shouts back 'its' not an ass it's a unicorn'. She figures this country air maybe freeing her mind of some pent up man hate. Wondered if I should feel emasculated, but if she is feeling better that's good.

Thinking if bored tomorrow she would like to tour east beach, having Sheena would make her feel safer. Wanting to be respectful she asked if it was okay to take the dog. Of course bringing up their activities and the dog not barking. I tried to get Sheena to bark, but she wasn't interested. I was of course okay with the dog going, completely understood. Even noting sometimes she's good for amusement. Just suggested be best to have her leashed on the roads. Not so much for possible traffic but things that scurry in and out of those ditches.

***

We all woke about the same time but not wanting another long day I left within the hour. It wasn't long after ten when Arlene was ready to venture to the east beach.

Before reaching the intersection she was thankful for having Sheena leashed. A fair size muskrat ambled out of the neighbors yard. At first Arlene thought oh cute. When the muskrat saw them it darted for the deep ditch. Catching the movement Sheena wanted to chase. Worried Sheena might over power her and drag them both into the ditch she jerked hard on the leash. Choked and pulled off her front feet Sheena gives up the pursuit. In awe of her own power Arlene feels bad for being so rough.

Still curious to see the muskrat she eases Sheena over to the ditch. More afraid of getting pulled in, holds the leash tight. The critter out of sight the pair can only scan the vast ditch.

Among the plant life Arlene can smell a local favorite. A hardy looking plant with many small, pink, frilly-bulb-like flowers. Arlene plucks one up to get a better sniff of its fragrance. It smells nice but is making her nose tickle. Looking closer at the plant realizes its' over run with tiny red ants that are now running over her fingers and nose. Tossing the plant she wipes off any skin that feels crawled on.

Feeling watched Arlene looks to the neighbor's house, spotting in the front window those two little pairs of eyes. Toying with the kids Arlene gestures that she's watching them. After a short stare off Sheena gets Arlene back on track, mainly in search of that muskrat. With no real ditches on the other side of the road Arlene had an easier walk.

At the far end and just before the tee intersection of East Beach road is a small waterway. Studying the water Arlene spies a turtle, sunbathing. Looking for other life signs she spots a good, sized fish, unsure if it was a carp or sucker.

Walking up to the beach she kept Sheena to the ditch side while checking out the small cottages as they go. Seeing the marsh she can't believe the amount of birds out on the water. Lots of ducks and geese are easily identified to her. She really starts to take notice of the smaller unknown flocks.

Still off-season no one is on the beach, prints in the sand indicate someone was walking a dog there earlier. Enjoying the area to her self dips the toes in the, oh too cold for me water. Immediately followed up with a little scream therapy.

With Sheena doing her thing Arlene was able to relax and take in the marsh more. Finding a downed tree limb to sit on watched the simple beauty before her. So many different birds flying in and out, the mass water landings are always something to see. Breaking up the boredom of birds, fish occasionally breaking water's surface. Enjoying the simple moment she still wants to enjoy it more.

Mental debates and arguments eventually force her to get moving instead of sitting still.

Deciding to take the closed road back, she can't see much of the marsh with the earthen dyke that keeps it in. A small shack off to the south is evidently lower than the road on. Bringing back to her what was said earlier, "If there was a severe enough rainstorm we could be swimming." Another wild thought comes to her mind, can the lake produce a tidal wave?

Reaching road nineteen back to the shack they both wanted to see more critters, Arlene cautiously follows along the top of the deep ditch.

Closing in on the quarry Arlene was thinking of a bathroom break, something to eat. Near the bottom of the ditch, by a dripping pipe, Arlene spots a muskrat chewing on something. Curious if it is the same one from earlier wants to get closer and prays Sheena doesn't spook it. The wind in their favor the muskrat was unaware. Sheena has the scent but is looking closer by.

They are almost as close as before, when the skittish critter hears Arlene's foot scuff pavement. Using the drainpipe for cover the critter slips out of their sight. Sheena whined looking up at Arlene to let her off the leash. Considering it, just to see what happens, Arlene sides with caution instead. Muddy, wet dog can be washed. Hurt dog in the county, not so easy.

The day moving well for me was estimating getting home around six. I called Arlene and thankfully she answered, just getting back in the door. Hoping for an interview settled for dinner, letting her know I would bring something home. Being Thursday picked up a pizza and a couple cigars for us to pollute the lungs.

She wasn't sure about the cigar finding them strong. However not smoking for a few days and right after some tasty pizza it is was a welcome treat.

Detailing the trip to the beach she asked about some other birds. Sure the birds were cormorants I dug out a bird book for her. Asked if I was a closet birder chuckled at the half-truth. With so many unfamiliar birds finally bought the book to figure out what was nesting on the side of the shack. Still unsure what the pair of a sparrow sized, yellow birds were. One had black in the chest the other white. With little else to do we flipped through the book finding the ones seen recently.