September 2, 2008

• Labor Day

  Yesterday was pure delight for me. 

  I slept in . . . the first day in (what seems like ) ages.  Awoke to hungry kitties . . . so I indulged them in some of the fancy (read: expensive) food that they like . . but rarely keep in the house.  Made a large cup of coffee and went out on the porch in my PJ’s.  It was warm . . . the warm wrapped around me like a soft blanket as I sat on my outdoor chair.  The kitties wound themselves around my legs and jumped onto the table holding my coffee.  Curious noses hovered over the cup . . . but unfortunately nothing much interesting was to be found there.   (for them anyway!)  Based on the weather . . . a small idea formed . . . and I let it mull for a moment before I picked up the phone.  Jenny answered and agreed . . . what a fabulous idea!  So we set off to make it happen.  I lazed around a bit more (I won’t be rushed!) and hopped in the shower.  I put on a nice sundress, and didn’t do my hair.  I rolled the windows down in the car, and let the breeze have it’s way with the fine, wet straw on my head.  Pulling into the store parking lot . . . I formed a mental list in my mind:  eggs, light mayo, wheat bread, cold cuts, pickles (yum!), salad fixins, raisins and . . . green tea yes!  My wandering mind managed to fit a few more things in, and I was on my way. 

  I arrived at the BF’s house to be greeted by excited girls. . . . “Mommy said we’re going on a picnic!” . . . .   this time   . . I had hungry kiddies on my hands.  We quickly put together a fancy, healthy feast . . . packed up  . . and set out.  We trolled the Metroparks . . . trying to find the perfect picnic area.  We found it in a huge field.  We peeked around the bend, and the field opened up infront of us . . bathed in sunlight. 

  perfect. 

  The sun was warm . . . the breeze was soft.  We laid out the blanket and feasted.  K & H had races across the field . . .  . turning to specs as they ran . . . then turning . . . racing back to full size and collapsing on the blanket.  K picked clovers, and I made a makeshift daisy-chain that she used as a bracelet.  After lounging in the sun kissed air, we decided to take a walk towards the creek.  The breeze blew harder . . . my sundress trying to be Marilyn.  The girls giggled, saying my legs were pasty white.   I tickled them.  We made it to the creek, and found another surprise.  An old fjord . . . where tractors and old cars used to cross (when the tide was low) before they built the bridge.  The tide was up over the tire tracks . .. so we kicked off our shoes and splashed in the water.  It was mildly warm and flowing quick.  It licked my ankles and caressed my toes and I swore I’d never leave.  We crossed back and forth . . . stone jumping, splashing.  We stopped by the side, where there was a small waterfall . . . and we stuck our hands and feet into spill.  The water was crystal clear, and I wished I could just jump in . . and that it would be deep . .. rather than just a few inches.   We sent leaves over the ‘falls’ . . . and the girls squealed with delight “look mine’s winning!”.  Memories of playing Pooh Sticks as a child flowed around my head like the creek past my ankles.

  I’ve always been drawn to water.  I learned to swim at the age of 10 months.  I’ve never been sea sick (even after a full week on a ship) . . . and I would live on the water if I could afford it.  So any time I can find a slightly remote place where I can play in the water is a place that I will return to time and time again.  

  We went home happy, full and sun-weary. 

  I think we all slept well that night. 

    (taken in a completely different area in 2004.  But many of Ohio’s Park areas look just like this.  Our creek excursion was similar.)

  • 11:46 pm
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