I'm about to walk the dog at 4:25am. That's not a metaphor or a slang term for something cool you didn't know about, I'm literally about to go outside, flashlight in hand, and lead the 70 pound collie around as he pees three times and we call it a night.

We've been doing this every night for the past couple of months. Feed the cats, give the rest to the dog (Buddy), then go for a walk in the dark as stray cars flash us with their headlights and I watch out for bears, bulls, and whatever else is prowling around out there at this time of morning.

Sometimes I'm afraid of running into an actual person out there in the dark. I mean, what do you say to someone, especially if they're walking alone without a flashlight. Other than "Satan?" or "Please don't kill me," I'm at a loss for words at this time of night. I could count on Buddy to defend me from such follies, but let's face it, Buddy's the first one gone when we hear things moving in the bushes. I'm going to have to get out of this on my own if it ever happens.

People say that predators are the most active right about this time leading up to sunrise. That's probably true. So why am I up? Well, something's obviously on the breakfast menu, and sometimes I feel like that's me.

I've been outside, it was too windy for the dog. He did three half pees and ran in before I could even start looking out for dangerous things. It's okay though, Romeo the kitten was waiting to pounce as soon as we got in the door, unleashing chaos and ultimately, Buddy ran off, leaving me to face the little demon on my own.

Typical.

I'm moody and out of it and trying to get through the next 15 minutes of my life so I can go to bed and then the day starts over and we'll be out again at 4:25am, walking in the dark and hoping not to run into my shadow before the sun comes up.

See you then.

Jim

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