An Unexpected Delight on a Sunday Afternoon

It would have been a shame to remain inside the house on such a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  There are always lots of chores to do – even for us retired folks, yet everyone has to take a break.

An unexpected end-of-February photographic catch.
(Image/Dick Bergeron)

Accordingly, Priscille and I decided it was time to go out; to breathe in some fresh air; to collect some vitamin D from the abundant sunshine; and to be fascinated by what nature freely offers each and every one of us with no strings attached – if only we will take the time to pay attention and to take a look at what She puts on our plate.

Pris and I drove north (a short eight-mile drive according to the Garmin GPS), and shut down the engine of the Taurus after arriving in the parking lot of the Quellen Spiritual Center in Mendham. 

Most people hereabouts may not have heard of this place, but it is a jewel of a location set in a nature’s rolling hills, just north of Bridgewater.

Basically, it’s quiet there – very quiet – which is why I like this spot.  It gives a person the ability to clear his or her head of the detritus and flotsam of ideas and opinions which have cluttered the public square in America lately. 

We stayed outside and walked on the grounds, appreciating the beauty everywhere about us.  All I expected, though, was what Pris and I usually encounter when perambulating out of doors – a good workout and good conversation while we enjoy the scenery around us. 

But this time, we encountered a surprise when we strayed a few yards off the beaten path.  Pris was the first to see it – the phenomenon of buds beginning to fatten and to show color far earlier than one would expect at this time of the year.  The large shrub that we saw was even ahead of the Forsythia – that perennial early bloomer.

Luckily, I had brought along my little pocket camera, a versatile memory maker – (gift, courtesy of my loved ones).  Holding the Sony between my fingers, I was able to capture one of the miracles of nature – the cycle of life as it is preparing for spring.

Thanks for reading.   And don’t forget to make your own time for the things that really count for you and yours.