Judy’s chapter 1; Bird Watching at the Lake

Today was her “day off”. That’s a funny thing to say for a retired wife on manning the home fort. It seemed to be the truth. Even though she was no longer in the working world, every day was full of house chores and family obligations.

It was 7am. Her husband had gone to work, a real, not work from home job.

Today was a day for her to meet an old friend who would soon be traveling south for the winter. They planned a short hike around Lake Haydon.

She had her usual breakfast and was headed to the shower. Her shower was nothing out of the ordinary. Wash her hair, shave her legs and general grooming. It was nothing unusual for spending another day with a long time female friend.

As she dried herself, she double checked the weather. It was going to be beautiful early Fall Thursday; high in the mid-70s with very little chance of rain. She found a matching black bra and panties. Over them a pair of tan shorts and a red checkered blouse. It was short sleeve and buttoned up the front. It was kind of a plain Jane look, nothing risqué.

She took her string backpack and packed her water bottle, a snack and cheese and crackers for lunch. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen rounded out her kit. She checked her watch; right on time. She hopped in her car and started her 1/2 hour ride to the lake. As she arrived to meet her friend, her cell phone rang. It was her friend. Something came up and she had to meet her husband. Something important that had to be done before they left for Florida the next morning.

“That sucks!” She thought to herself. “Well, I’m here. No sense in wasting the day and driving back home immediately. I’ll take the hike myself.” She parked by the only other car in the lot. She grabbed her pack, adjusted her hiking shoes and started down the trail.

It was a great day for a walk. Not too hot, the sun was peaking from behind some clouds. She travelled about 1/2 way around the lake when she saw someone else. A guy was looking through binoculars at some birds circling overhead. She continued to walk down the trail towards him. As she got closer, she tried to see what he was looking at. It was flying very high, but she could see it was a large bird. As she got close to the birdwatcher, she asked “What type of bird is it?”

The man was startled. He hadn’t seen her approach. “Ah, oh hi. It’s a male heron. Probably preparing for migration south”

“Thank you,” she replied. “I thought they would have all left here by now.”

“Ah, so you know your birds. Here have a look through my binoculars.”

“Thank you, that’s very nice” she said as she took the binoculars from him. She made a minor adjustment. “Beautiful bird” she added.

“Yes it is. My name’s Jim.”

“Hi Jim, mine is Judy. It was getting lonely hiking alone. Finding another bird enthusiast is a pleasant surprise.”

For the next 10 or 15 minutes they traded looks through the binoculars and exchanged bird talk. Judy noted the gentleman was fairly tall and attractive, in his 50s with a graying hair and mustache. He seemed to be in good shape, no beer belly. They were both enjoying each other’s company and didn’t notice the clouds thickening. The first few drops startled them both.

“Hope it just a sprinkle “They both said in unison.

“There’s a little lean-to just ahead. It’s closer than the parking lot.” Jim said.

They began to walk down the trail in the lean-to’s direction. The sprinkle picked up into a full shower. They jogged the last few yards and entered the lean-to. They stopped to catch their breath. The rain kept falling. “So much for the forecast.” Jim said. Judy nodded in agreement.

Judy’s shirt was soaked. She began to shiver.

“Here, come closer. The only way to get warm is to share body heat.” Jim said.

Judy was apprehensive. Here she was, alone with a stranger, cold, wet and shivering. She rarely was alone with a male other than her husband, never in a situation like this. What should she do? She needed to get warm, but this was uncomfortable, maybe more than uncomfortable and a little risqué.

Jim was sitting on the picnic bench. He reached out for her. She cautiously approached him. She turned and sat on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her. One arm was across her chest, the other around her waist. His arms were warm. He gently pulled her to his chest. Although he too was wet, she felt warmth being against him. She felt her hard nipples against his arm. She didn’t mind, it was warming. Judy’s legs were on top of his. His were warm and it felt good.

As she warmed, she started to feel something else. She felt butterflies in her stomach and a strange tingle throughout her body. She realized she hadn’t felt like this in years.