Walking with shadows

Baby J, At and I have fallen into a bit of a habit. Every Thursday, we go walking in the garden by the river behind our apartment complex. There is something lovely about this bit of the riverside - it is frequented by small children followed by their ever-excited dogs, enthusiastic babies who want to experiment with slides in the most innovative ways, and young people enjoying a pint and a half by the quiet river. This particular evening was made a shade more beautiful by the haunting shadows. Change is visible everywhere, the trees are changing colours, children heading back home from the play area by five in the evening, and the grass is covered by reddish-brown leaves that go 'crunch' under your shoes. Yet there is a positive warmth to the setting sun, the promise of a hot cup of tea and a welcoming, cosy bed. There is the promise of warmth in the severity of the cold winter.