Our morning routine is the same wherever we are. Tango energetically leaps from bed while I stumble out. I toss a handful of dog food in his bowl then make coffee. I dig around for shoes and a jacket, pour a cup of hot coffee. Then we are ready to go for a walk. In some places, we can walk a mile or more. It is an integral part of our morning. Should I dawdle too long for the walk part Tango prances around at my feet, saying in his own way, C’mon, time to walk.We head out, and when it is safe, I take him off leash and Tango runs.
I only mention this decade-long routine now because we could not walk for nearly a week. Rain poured steadily and we were confined to the tent or car. Tango looked sadly at me each morning. I looked back with a frown. Sorry, buddy. We were both cramped and confined. I was happy on those mornings to have coffee. Now, if I know that foul weather will persist and making coffee will be a challenge, I pick up a quart bottle of Starbucks Iced Coffee. I have found it in most grocery stores in the orange juice section and/or near large bottles of iced tea. I can drink it cold in the bad weather or heat it up later. Survival. To the max.
We are so happy to be back to our routines now. After we return from our walk this morning Tango, as always, gets a dog treat. I settle in to read or write, but first, he nudges up next to me. He won’t proceed into his own explorations until he gets a few pats on the head. Good Boy. Sweet dog. Tango!
Finally, now, it is my time. My time with a twist. Since digging out my Mr. Heater, after I pour the second cup of coffee and before I sink into my chair in the tent, I turn on the little heater. Of course, I only turn it on low, but then I sit there holding my coffee close and enjoying the gentle heat that is now floating near me. If the little propane canister runs out, the old one swings out and I quickly screw in another. Ahhhh. What a difference a bit of heat makes on a morning with temps below 40 degrees. I feel civilized, even complete, and I realize that with a sturdy, water-resistant tent and a Mr. Buddy, I can conquer anything, anywhere. But, not before my breakfast today – a grilled cheese sandwich on everything bread.
