I've just returned from a long walk with Rigby. It's a beautiful day, perfect almost, as this time of year is wont to throw up. It's unusually still, the temperature somewhere in the mid-twenties and a bright sun in the middle of perfectly blue sky.
We walked down by the river where it is very pretty. Near the bridge a children's party was in progress. Kids ran around gleefully while their parents huddled around the gas barbecue. We followed the narrow path along the river to where it opened into a series of rustic parks. Dotted here and there were park benches; languid gum trees with lazy overhanging limbs provided a dappled shade. There were others like us, dogs with their owners out for a walk. Rigby loved it.
I was feeling a little wonky. It felt as if the earth's axis had tilted overnight, but I'm pretty sure it's my gyro which is out thanks to a few bevvies last night. It was peaceful in the park in the sunshine and it felt like a tonic to me. Still I stopped to sprawl in the shade of a tree while I listened to my iPod and Rigby panting kept a keen eye on everything going on.
We walked further on, once again paising to sit by the river and watch the slow water move by through the tangle of brush at the river's edge. On the way back we cut up through the quiet streets and past the grand homes and elegant apartment blocks facing onto the river. There was a serene Sunday feel to it. A man trimmed his garden; a car pulled up and a girl with her arms full of bags got out. Through this we wandered curiously, Rigby turning his snout in interesting directions while I wondered how my rambles had never brought me this way before.
Home again and it is pleasantly cool indoors. Rigby pants from his exertions and the relative heat, and happiness at having gone on a walk with his master. It was he who had insisted on it. I had told him we would go for a long walk later and at the mention of the word his ears had pricked up before he went to the laundry where his leash is kept and sniffed at it hanging on the handle of the door while looking at me. Ok then, now it is.
I must write a piece on Collective Intelligence this afternoon, but do not have the mental energy to do it. I feel idle and still a little odd after last night. I had a bit to drink and did not make it to bed until after 3.
It was a friend's 40th birthday last night. He had a small party at his home which was very pleasant. I met with some interesting people, amid which were a couple of interesting encounters. One was a girl I dated very briefly about 10 years ago - I was surprised I remembered. If she did she said nothing of it. The other was more peripheral. I was introduced to a pleasant lady who turned out to be the present HR manager at the company where I met Amy.
I had mixed feelings learning this. I was curious, but likewise it was not something I wanted to dig into too far. Still, naturally, she asked of my time there, where I worked, etc. She joked she had heard nothing bad of me and later when we parted said she would be asking about me in the office - something I would prefer she not do. I didn't say that though.
I stayed longer than planned because I was urged to, sacrificing then my ride home. Still, I could not leave until the cake was cut. An hour or so later I left and after an expensive cab ride home I sat on my couch watching the cricket - in many regards something I'd have been better off not doing.
