Water, Water, Everywhere

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful." - e.e.cummings

What a sweet day I had yesterday. It included a Valentine luncheon out with my favorite grandchildren and my daughter-in-law, conversations with lots of friends and relatives, and a great family dinner. It was no big production. No lavish gifts were exchanged, no flowers delivered, no singing telegrams appeared, and believe it or not, chocolate was nowhere to be seen. Hmmm, I guess that part could have been improved upon.

The highlight of the day was sharing a nice long afternoon walk with the Titan of Industry at our local park at the city hall in Weldon Spring. That rascal Brother Wind confronted us as we began, throwing himself at our faces, but sweet Brother Sun soon chased him away. It was a warm walk, but a slushy, sloppy, muddy walk, too. It was puddle-wonderful.

Reflection on Water Fountain - New Barn at Weldon Spring

We checked out the brand new Big Red Barn which takes the place of the old one that burned down last fall. It is fabulous, spacious, and houses two sparkling new restrooms to take the place of the 'port-a-potties' by the ball fields.

Dandy new weather vane on top of the Big Red Barn - check out the moon above it

We headed down the nature trail (really it's a narrow path paved with asphalt that tracks the perimeter of the grounds), and encountered slushy ice and snow on the trail.



Black Locust Trees




We slogged on, and I pointed out the imposing black locust trees that would soon bear the fragrant blossoms of spring.





 
 
 
 
 
  We encountered rivulets of snowmelt along the trail in most places.

 
 
 

  In some spots it was more like a cold stream than a path.

 

 
 
 

In other spots, it was warm and completely dry.

Pine tip on asphalt

Beautiful shadows and reflections were all around.



Reflection of tree trunk in water



Isn't our City Hall polite and gentle?



Treat yourself to gentleness today.

The choice for today's music is obvious. We have to go with Georg Friedrich Händel's Water Music, which is often regarded to be three suites of orchestral music, each able to stand on its own. This is the Air and Minuet from Suite in F Major, (usually referred to as Suite 1). 

I must admit, I'm not a big fan of Baroque music, which I find to be a bit sullen and rigid. But Händel's Water Music is soothing and deep, like the water in the park yesterday. It also happens to be great music to use while meditating...it can calm you and regulate your breathing with its gentle, even cadence. Enjoy.