Hiking

Yesterday was just beautiful. Blue sunny skies, warm - in the 70s, and a Sunday to boot. We went on a hike on a nearby nature trail. It was slooooow going, as any hike with children is bound to be. It absolutely kills me to walk s-l-o-w-y. Even Curt walks to slow for me. But the boys (all three of them) forced me to a snail's pace. and I wound up enjoying it. My heart wasn't racing and my blood wasn't coursing through my veins. But my soul was at peace. This trail is so wonderful - clean, natural, relatively flat for Pa., clear paths that wind through the woods. So many old-growth trees and some new ones trying to mature. Bat boxes were placed here and there to help our bat friends. (I love bats - they eat mosquitoes!) We walked for nearly two hours, ending our hike with a self-guided tour of the flower and herb gardens near the parking area. The boys seemed so happy. Pleasantly tired, we drove the windy roads of western Pa. back toward home. We were relaxed, living the simple life. Grateful for our time in the woods. Then we saw Toys R Us. And the world came crashing back like a tidal wave on the beach. Of course, we stopped. But we didn't buy a thing. I swear it. (Well, a milkshake at McDs, but that doesn't count, right?)