Hiking: March 2005 Archives

For the second day in a row, I went for a post-lunch stroll without a jacket. Not only were the birds singing, but I saw the first sun bather of the season. Spring has finally arrived in Minnesota.

I love the feeling of the warm sun and wind on my face. While the last winter wasn't especially brutal, when you live with the cold, the overcast, and the darkness for so long, spring is especially appreciated. Winter has its own beauty, but to me it doesn't compare to the joys of being outside without the layers and the bulk. I love seeing the birds and ducks returning to Minnesota.

Reminds me of what my son said to me when he was just three. He had been entranced by the geese migrating south for the previous winter. In the spring when we saw a flock of geese landing in the stubble of a corn field near our house he said "Seeing these geese is like a present to me." He was right, spring and everything that goes with it is a gift.

Spring is reconciliation, hope, laughter, and dreams and all of it is a gift.

In the last year plenty of interesting things have happened on my almost daily walk with co-workers. Today's walk was more memorable than most.

[Photo courtesy of glt]

Just remember, don't ask me for something you don't want, if I’m in the right mood, I just might give you what you asked for, even if you are Canadian.