Balmy evenings in October... A soft warm breeze rustles the branches of the giant mesquite that stands at the edge of the wash. the sky is a deep orange near the horizon, becoming increasingly more peach as the eye moves upward. Tree branches stand out in stark black silhouette. Just about where the tree branches end the sky blends from soft peach to a faint pink and on into a lilac swath. Against this layer of color I can see a few bats hunting their evening meals. They swoop across the color wash changing direction suddenly when they detect an insect morsel. The sky continues upward, from lilac it becomes deeper shades of purple, eventually ending in a deep blue. Stars speckle these blue bands, suddenly appearing where before it had been clear blue.
I sit, watching the bats, noticing the deepening colors and listening to the birds as they quietly settle in for the night. From inside the house come noises that indicate life is moving along. Dinner is in the oven, utensils are being moved about, the TV quietly drones and the child discusses something with an older cousin. Dogs heave sighs as they wait hopefully for some tidbits from the kitchen.
One of my favorite times of day, especially when I can sit silently in the dark and appreciate it all.
