Tree Hugger

Me, hugging a Pondy

I hug trees. The ones I love best to hug are giant Ponderosa pines. They have mounds of little puzzle pieces of shed bark around their base. And, when you put your nose into the dark deep crevasses in their bark, it smells just like maple syrup, especially in warm weather.

Back already

I am home. Wow, that so-called vacation went fast. Turns out I never got to the Shakesperean Festival. Didn't get any further than the mountains.

I got mesmerized by the blue sky, the sun, the wind in the trees, the sparkling water of the creeks and lakes, the incredible display of stars every night. I liked not hearing another human voice unless I turned on the book on tape I was listening to. I liked not eating or drinking until I, and only I, wanted to. I liked showering in the great outdoors. I liked snuggling deep into piles of blankets and putting the hood up on my sweatshirt to seal out the freezing night air.

So, I stayed in the mountains. And now I am back. It went too fast. But, I know it is still there, waiting for me.