The Beauty of Each Day

We enjoy so many beautiful, satisfying days. Spring must be the best of all possible times. We are excited about the re-awakening of nature's flora, see about us everywhere solid proof that after the long sleep - not the really, truly long sleep - there is life, revenant. In our daily walks in the ravine, looking about our gardens, everything surprises and delights us. Each day brings a fresh surprise, a reminder, an aesthetic thrill of re-awakening.

Today, ambling through the ravine after breakfast, we saw a huge dragonfly. Only one, but it was notable nonetheless, with an iridescent blue body. They feast on mosquitoes, and are welcome, quite aside from the beauty of their being. There are water striders now in the creek, under the bridges, where they seem always to congregate, rippling the now-still water. The crows are still about, flying high and calling raucously.

And there's the high-pitched whistle of the hawks, that seem to have once again decided to nest in the ravine. There's ample food supply for them there, one supposes, although it doesn't do to mull on that source, for we appreciate the small creatures that scurry about the forest floor, as much as we do the small birds that flitter through the leafing-out trees. It's amazing how speedily the trees have leafed out. A phenomenon we note to one another, annually.

At home, in the gardens later, it was time to do a little trimming, to cut back those branches of the rose bushes and climbing roses that haven't leafed. To tie up a few of the clematises, just give them a little tender aid to cling to the lattice. While the apple and plum blossoms have now blown sheer off the fruit trees, the blossoms of the three ornamental crab trees are still on display, and even those of the caragena.

We had to take time out to do a little watering, to ensure that the annuals we planted won't dry out before their roots have the opportunity to take. The irises and the lilies, the lilac are ready to burst into bloom. The roses are setting their buds, and so are the peonies; they'll make for a spectacular display. Ah, the Japanese quince and the holly are in full flower. The lilies-of-the-valley are opening their bells and their divine fragrance will enchant us soon.

We took a load of clothing, a few ornamental cushions, an electric kettle off to the Sally Ann. And while there took the opportunity to look around. I came home with a novel by Joyce Carol Oates I hadn't previously read, a little gem. Also picked up "The Penguin Dictionary of Epigrams" (I can resist everything except temptation). And a book by William Shawcross, "Deliver Us From Evil - Peacekeepers, Warlords and a World of Endless Conflict."

The pleasure each day affords us is boundless. But we require nourishment for our minds as well.