June 16, 2009
Our road trip is winding down in Mankato, MN with long time friends in their very lovely home in a wooded cul-de-sac near the University. Rains are falling quietly and straight down; no winds, violence, or drama in the skies. This morning we took a fine walk through Rasmussen Woods, an area of natural old growth trees and wetlands that is set aside in the midst of the urban areas. Here we saw a lovely collection of birds that are not often seen at our own Sanctuary.
This whole adventure has been splendid! While with the family at the beginning of last week, there was some illness in the house, but we religiously washed hands, etc., and I did not pick up any sicknesses. I still remain well, with only an uncertain day en route yesterday, but as of now, all is going on as hoped.
On Thursday of last week, we drove northward to spend time with the Dull’s at their home on Lake Michigan in Door County, WI. Here we talked non-stop, walked by the lake and in their woods, played bridge and crafted a life’s experience to remember and cherish for many days to come. As part of that, I determined that Jo and I should get matching “Wellies”. I needed summer weight boots for my morning walks, and since there is a stream that flows into the lake just north of their home, if she wishes to walk on the beach there, she can also make use of a pair. Though the distaff side expressed doubts about how “in” these boots are, we found some that were entirely pleasing and this AM when we were walking, a young woman that we met in the woods commented, “Nice boots”. At that moment, I felt the unique joy that only being “with it” can bring.
Tomorrow we begin our return to Seward with Alphie and Sanctuary on our minds. The unspoken agenda of this trip has been to have wonderful visits with people we cherish while I am still on earth. This has added richness and depth to the conversations, and the whole undertaking has had the blessing of enough good health to make the days splendid and full of joy.