The hills are nearby. Sunday, Jen and I took Willow and hiked into them. It seems that this is a popular passtime, judging by the number of people who were also on the trails, and by the even higher number of piles of dog shit. There was even one couple with a triple stoller, containing, of course, triplets. Despite all of this activity around us, we had a nice, peaceful walk. I was looking for Tarantulas, but didn't see any. We did see an inordinate number of baby Fence Lizards, and a bunch of circling vultures. We also saw Mountain Lion and Deer tracks. The lovely smell of sage surrounded us as we walked. We have to do this sort of thing more regularly. Last year, we managed to go up into these particular hills a total of two times. That just isn't enough.

Outside, as I type, the clouds are moving in over the valley, wreathing the moon in gauze. I love this time of year.

cds I listened to while watching the moon: Tom Waits "Hold On", "Bone Machine", and "Nighthawks at the Diner", Gavin Bryars "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet", and Nurse With Wound/Current 93/Coil - cd that came with "England's Hidden Reverse"