bill and Atlas

a boy and his dog
Bassets were my sisters passion. She was introduced to the hounds young and loved them forever. Everyone that loved Gray was partnered with/tethered to a hound. It was an unspoken rule. It was her wish. It was made to happen. No questions, no discussion. Oh what is that tricolor beast emerging from yon oyster shell? Miraculous ears and feet, flag and voice, bounding hound of joy.

My Heart Leaps Up
My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.–Wm.Wordsworth

Ortega Point

old man and a river
Mr. Boutwell tends his waterfront tomatoes in Jacksonville Florida, 1980. In the 1930s people would dance on his dock at night. His first name was Mister to me. A very steady old man