Early Morning Reconnaissance

Early Morning Reconnaissance

1.25.2026

The first flakes of winter storm “Fern” began falling after midnight. By 5 AM, the backyard was buried under a blanket of white - a rare sight this winter, especially after the outrageous 65-degree Christmas we just had. Chloe, sensed the change, and although her eyesight has faded, her nose and ears work just fine. Following her with my camera, she disappeared into the gloom on this early morning reconnaissance.

Her adventure was initiated at the base of the old ash tree.  I’m sure a cat had passed through. The trail was cold, but the story was fresh. Her head swiveled with the falling snow, ears perked to the nightly sounds. She investigated activity at the gate. Satisfied there wasn’t anything of importance, she moved on, tail wagging. She walked by me giving the look, “all’s secure.” 

Mission accomplished, she turned and trudged back inside, leaving a meandering trail of paw prints in the snow, a detective satisfied with a case well-solved!