Restoration

The house was chilly and, with remnants of a cough and cold hanging on, I took myself out to the bench on the deck to sit in the sun after barn chores.  There is such healing power in sunshine for me.  It may be a throwback to when we went so frequently to the beach when I was a kid, back in the days before SP-15, UV rays, and every warning "under the sun."  Bess picked out a nearby spot with her back against the wall and we two sat quietly and let the warmth soak into our bones.  A couple of the clean-up crew lazily glided in circles over the hill across the way.  Crows yelled at each other from tree to tree.  A myriad of little birds searched for whatever it is they look for among the leaves across the yards.  Barren oak branches gave no sign, but a slight breeze made the tall seed fronds on the deck plants dance and nod.  Bessie Anne is my thermostat as well as timekeeper.  When she'd had enough and moved over to a patch of shade, I agreed that I was also ready to go back in the house, restored, body and soul.