May Day!

Oh what a glorious day MAY DAY was here this year!  Many years it is rainy, cool, overcast and not the most perfect day to have a MAY DAY celebration.  But this year - it was perfect!  Beautiful skies, without a cloud in the sky.  Our local community teams up on the first Saturday of May to have a yard sale/garage sale bonaza!  The newspaper advertises the sales for free, plus provides a map with the location highlighted and numbered for easy reference.  It is truly an exciting time for everyone to get out and see their neighbors and find a treasure or two.   My son and daughter both went with me, and it was wonderful finding little bargains here and there, and visiting with people in the community on such a beautiful day.  The downtown area of our town had streets blocked off so people could set up their tables, and vendors were selling food and various handcrafted items.  It was just a wonderful day!

Towards the end of the evening, I decided to take the dogs over to the river to watch the sun set.  When I arrived, the most beautiful ending to the day was taking place.

A cool breeze was blowing, and as the sun was setting, I was glad I had brought along my jacket.

The moon was rising off to the east, just as the sun was casting her fiery glow across the water.

All was completely, quietly still.... except of course for my rambunctious dogs!

 

 The light was constantly changing as the sun sunk lower and lower off the horizon, causing more dramatic silhouette effects on the scene.

Turning away from the setting sun, the light was soft and mellow, and the dogs splashed happily.

 I suddenly rethought the fact I brought them here at dark - in the water - wet - WHAT was I thinking?

Sigh.  I just wanted to see the sunset, and in my excitement forgot what happens when you mix dogs, water, and dirt ... at dark!

A big muddy shivery shaking mess, that's what!

But then as my gaze turned back to the setting sun.... I forgave myself, because I wouldn't have come without the dogs to see this beautiful sight.  My dear husband is out of town and now that our kids are teenagers, they have better things to do than hang out with mom watching sunsets... lol! So... rather than watch the sunset alone, I was glad for the company of the dogs... albeit, now wet, cold and stinky!

Their joy was contagious and I felt it too, only wishing I had a smidgen of their energy as they ran up and down the beach!

Could there be a more beautiful way to end the day... I think not!

The moon rose higher and higher in the horizon, shining brightly as the sun's rays disappeared.

Watch out for the rocks and dirt... the dogs are about to slide in for a quick hug and scratch, and then they're off to the races again!

Lovely... just lovely!

I loved this picture of the moon covered in the lacy branches of the bush as it shadowed the launch of the moon.

Then... the stillness and quiet was pierced by loud squawks and calls of the geese.  Apparently they had decided that sunset was the time to make their way into the water for the night.  As I sat on the beach, I heard the baby goslings coming.  They couldn't fly, and were making their way into the water running as fast as their little legs could carry them.

Annie and Roger had to get locked up in the truck as the babies were hurrying into the water.

What a beautiful sight it was to see the geese landing, and the babies swimming and calling out to each other.

Such gentle beauty as I watched them swim together.

It was time for me to go, yet it was hard to leave as I listened to the music the geese were making.

But the sun had set, and now it was time to take the wet smelly dogs home.

As I left this place of beauty, I was thankful that in my heart I held the memories of this wonderful day and the glorious sunset that perfected it all.  HAPPY MAY DAY to you!   :)