I say "Cute Dog!", Owner Smiles - Dog Hikes Leg on New Shoes

Morning comes too soon for the exhausted and sleep deprived. Finding myself tightly tucked in a cocoon of comforter, I open one eye, peeking only to see the warm, toasty better half absent from my morning routine. A foggy memory reminds me he has been called by better weather to the Tennessee River's fish friendly currents.

Stumbling down the stairs, I listen to Lucky's heavy pawed momentum as she too tries to make her way to the kitchen. SO THANKFUL for a one cup coffee maker! Insert pod, close latch -- tap button for a big, strong dose and watch it go...all over tray, counter.....floor...

Lucky just watches as I struggle to remember what to grab. It's like a dodge ball coming RIGHT at you and you're too shocked to move. Sweet nectar of the morning gods escapes, filling the air with a delightful aroma and puddling in every knook or cranny it can run to.

Lucky's ears tuck back with what I imagine to be sarcasm. I grab a mug...insert under spout, grab pod, recycle previous intent and THIS TIME, capture my dark brew. All the while dropping towells on puddles to absorb mess.

Two spoons of sugar, a liberal dose of half and half -- I grab a blank notepad and cruise out to the side porch. Yup, I said porch. It's what we call it.

Here, I have the most perfect view of all that comes and goes: To my right, I can see the a panoramic of mountains and to my left, a one point perspective in curvature -- of dogwoods and azaleas blooming in full force on this historic suburban neighborhood street.

THIS IS my favorite place to sip my morning coffee and let my mind catch up with my body. It is the most peaceful part of my week. Here, I find serenity and the desire to stay in this spot all day!! I leave my perch only to grab refills, books and notepads and it's sometimes sooo...frustrating when I find the world has no intention of allowing me to hold this position.

I spot an elderly lady with her adorable Chihuahua. It looks a bit like a tea cup sized doberman pincher. Sniffing, sniffing, determined to mark some territory -- both seem too involved in their routine to notice me behind a trimmed azalea --the little dog cruises pavement, tugging the forgiveness of the leash held by arthritic hands.

The two turn, cross the shallow ditch into a sad excuse of a mixed manicured lawn...into my yard. Never noticing me...I continue to sip, witnessing the natural event that appears all too routine for this companionship. The leashed rat -- hunkers -- pauses to make a deposit and strut away -- this time a loose gate dropping the tension on it's tether. Hmmmmm...that's not very neighborly...

MENTAL NOTE: DO NOT WALK IN GRASS. At least not for a couple of weeks....

Today, I wish to read, wondering if I have a copy of Team of Rivals to devour. My attention turns to Lucky, thumping her little paw on the door. A quick move allows her to escape outside to my retreat. Once she rounds a path to check out the surroundings -- she settles into her own vantage point and directs her attention to a couple walking down the street.

I too begin my observation, noting the sweetness of their pace. His step, in line with hers. They must be in their late 60's; but then again, I'm a horrible judge of age -- noting they could be in their 90's. His blue windbreaker sets him far apart from the landscape. her polyester is understated, yet somehow manages to pull off a classy and non-distracting look. They are holding hands.

The best actors in world would find it challenging to pull off the sweet innocence of their quiet stroll. I have a moment of goosebumps as I contemplate a lifetime of experiences they've lived, shared and dreamed together. They've lived...conquering the challenges of time yet they continue to hold hands.

Noting this may be the cutest most heartwarming scene I'll carry with me throughout my day. Then, the elderly lady points downward toward my yard. Could she have spotted the fresh deposit left by the previous visitor? The gesture didn't last but a moment -- when they drop their clasp of one another and he strolls forward -- up my sidewalk, he carefully bends down, reaches and picks up my Saturday edition of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Now, if you know me, you know this is like reaching for my plate while I'm eating. My instinct is to fork you before your hand makes it.

But here, at this moment, I am not too concerned. I am content to watch how this is goes down. As he raises back up -- he pauses. I wonder if he has a head rush -- if he's okay. Then, he tucks the paper under his arm and turns back down the path -- the slight slope appears to be painful on his joints. Rejoining his companion, taking her hand, they begin to walk. It only takes two more paces before the two notice me at my perch.

From the corner of my eye, I see Lucky flicking her right ear, turning her head to look up at me. I wonder what she's thinking.

The couple drops their grasp again as he gently turns, four steps back to the sidewalk, four steps up -- he bends over -- laying the paper exactly as he found it -- giving it a pat. Again the slow raise back up. After a quick pause, he turns to my direction, raises his hand and arm all the way up: Waves, smiles and nods. I do the same. It's still quiet. They pace away again holding hands.

I will admit, I begin to wonder if they walk to enjoy the weather or health and how often they gank neighbors newspapers. What they don't know...is I wouldn't have said a word...THIS TIME...Simply because I enjoyed seeing their interactions...their romance.

That and I know better than to open my mouth to anyone before I'm two cups into my morning brew.

AND....that's my morning. My story...no real rant or point....just mere observations. Looking forward to an evening -- of good friends -- maybe it'll be a Sipping Cosmos kind o Saturday?!