It was mid-50s and sunny. And we were itching to get out. Well, I was, at least. Ruthie was content bouncing on my knee, flying in my arms above my head, and timing her spit-up to land as soon as I open my mouth.

So I bundled her into a carrier and hit the pavement gravel road.

She insisted on wearing her snazzy leopard outfit for the outing. Should I be concerned that she cared more about what to wear than me? So what if I wore that white zip-up for three days straight. Dingy, make-up stained fuzzy outerwear are in now, right?

We discussed many things while on our walk. One spot was of particular interest.

See that grouping of bushes behind Ruth’s cat ears?

They’re raspberry bushes. Wild ones. Most are along the road on the barbed wire, but there’s a semi-circle just steps within the fence. Come springtime, Ruth and I are going to make friends with whomever owns that land to ask if we can scavenger.

It’s like dumpster diving for fruit.

I showed her my imaginary petrified forest. If these trees could talk, Ruth, they’d  describe how it felt to have cows rub hairy bodies against their trunks or the tight grip of a hawk perched on their branches before diving down for food. They’d stiffen up as those bitter cold winters were remembered, and gently sway from side to side when talking about the blow of a breeze.

Maybe one day they’ll say we saw the cutest little girl walk down the street with her mom. And they pointed at us and smiled.

And then they would smile.

As we grow old and petrified in our own bodies, remember, Ruthie, that it feels good to be acknowledged.

On our way back home, I pointed out the shimmering reflection on a pond.

And watched as she furrowed her eyebrows against the sunlight.

We spotted some dogs running across the field.

And let the wind brush a dried reed on her head.

The mailman drove by and waved. We discussed the importance of writing letters and how wonderful it feels to receive one.

And then she looked up with inquiring eyes at the electrical pole.

We’ll let your father explain electricity, dear.

Now back to that blue sea of a sky…