Green

This is one of the two most beautiful times of year here. The other is around the middle of May. What makes this the most beautiful time probably has less to do with the actual time of month, and more with the frequent rain showers, and release from blistering persistent heat.

In the mountains, there is a period during the day that everyone is subconciously aware of, and sometimes consciously. It is a certain 5 hours from late in the morning to the middle of the afternoon, when it is both light enough and warm enough to do everything outside that you need to do.

There is a similar interval in Phoenix, but it occurs morning and evening. It is about 2 hours long each time, where it is light enough to see well outside, but the shadows are still long, and the heat hasn’t quite started yet. Or in the evening, when the heat cuts out in deference to night, there is a short interval where people enjoy being outside.

These are the times when they wash their cars, have their picnics, jog or cycle. Its a time when people are deliberately at ease — not wanting to waste or ruin the moment, but still aware that time is of the essence.

Today, I was aware of that sensation all day here. Everytime I was outside, it was like a reminder that this pleasantness will not long last.

But while it does, what a beauty it is.

Everything is green and growing right now. The evenings are filled with long shallow shadows, intensifying the natural colors of the green. And our sunsets are magnificient.

As always, it is a time for buddies. And remembering buddies.

I love the outdoors.