The Routine Revisited

I don't know why I awakened at 5am but awake I did. Not even the cat that was curled next to me on the bed was prepared for an early rising. He merely took over the warm spot in which I had lain, peered at me through half closed eyes and settled back to His Business of sleeping.
As I walked into the living room feeling my way through the darkness I could hear what had awakened Me. Outside the water was pouring off of the roof and in the distance was a low rumbling of thunder. I couldn't detect in the dimness the streams of water that I knew were running through my backyard but had been through this enough times to know that they were there. The alarm had not awakened me, Mother Nature had.
As is my morning routine I crossed into the kitchen to prepare the Cat's breakfast. The alpha was lying on my computer desk and raised His head only slightly as I proceeded towards the Pantry. It wasn't until a snap of the tops of cans could be heard that all aligned themselves at my feet for this unexpected treat.
My morning duty having been done, I pressed the 'on' button of my laptop then went in to make my bed and straighten the bathroom. As I was putting the finishing touches on my bedroom, I saw my 'walking clothes' set out from a week ago. Unwittingly I had 'pulled' my one knee last week and was officially on the 'injured list'. I had been making My way around only with the help of a well placed ace wrap on my knee to enable Me to move short distances. My 'morning walk' was going to have to wait.
This morning I didn't hesitate with pulling on capri's and a tanktop and tying on my sneakers. I flew out the garage door pressing the button of the opener and was greeted by a hazy sky that had exhausted itself of it's rain and a cool refreshing breeze. I took to the road.
Even though it had been a short while without this morning exercise, my body could feel it. My calves contracted in surprise pulling my lower back from place necessitating the need for readjustment. With that part finally in place, my knees scrambled for attention. I lengthened my stride to avoid putting pressure on them and they settled in nicely.
I had already traversed 2 streets as I saw the white figure of a crane spreading it's wings above me and flying towards the Cattle pond. I hastened my pace. As I approached the Pond, I could only see cranes traversing the shallows. The horses and Cattle had satisfactorily settled into grazing the field towards the Farmhouse and barn conveniently ignoring Me and taking to their morning meal. I pushed onward.
Making my swing at my halfway point I gingerly made it up the incline feeling a minute aching in my injured knee and took note that i would still need to wrap it for a few more morning forays. Within my head, I searched for where I could retrive the bandage. It came to light that it had been rolled up and put in the top drawer of my dresser. I would have to apply it when I got home.
As I once more journeyed past the pond to my final destination I surveyed the waters once more. To my ultimate Surprise I saw five of the Young Mallards at the side of the pool. I had thought them already grown and gone and yet this vision of brown feathers and ivory beaks held my attention. They had not all left yet! Perhaps they just needed that tiny bit of extra time to leave their beloved home and I was given the gift of seeing them once more before we parted ways. I breathed another "Thank You."
Making my way up my street, I stopped to right a Solar Angel that stood guard over my Geraniums and Roses. Satisfied with the positioning I approached the driveway and sauntered to the Garage stepping gingerly down on my one leg that held the fragile knee. Once inside I let out a contented sigh at my approval of this once more insightful Morning. May I enjoy many others.