Sunshine, on my shoulder makes me happy....

Memorial Day Weekend has opened the gateways to a new season of warm sun and afternoon showers bringing fierce periods of rain and the gentle rumbling of the heavens. With these times will be picnics, weekend getaways, and heat waves. Many a soul will venture out for invigorating walks in the parks. Couples will walk hand in hand with smiles of contentment. The ducks and geese will play upon the water while little ones stare with wonder and their elders observe with pride, and enviously dream of those simpler times. Teenagers will fly by on their roller blades and bicycles, and a father & son play catch. On the shores of a river, many will look at the water, and wonder where they are flowing, and why the currents have to move so fast.

Some of us will get away from the cities and bask in the crisp crystal waters of a lake. The golden kaleidoscopes of sunlight will dance along the surface, while the laughter of children and the call of the water fowl mingle with the rustling of leaves.

Many will seek the mountains, placing their feet on worn roots and boulders. They will follow that meandering path to till the trees give way to the open sky, and they'll celebrate life on a summit, feeling satisfaction in their care free accomplishment. On a slab of granite, many people will lie, and look at the formations mother earth draws for us in the blue beyond.

Still others will be lucky enough to take in the crash of the surf, the call of the gulls, that strong salty breeze. It is cleansing and refreshing and if one breathes deeply for a moment their troubles can fade and they can feel themselves become a part of the world around them. Their hearts will beat in time to the rhythm of the sea while their bodies take in the warmth of the sand and their hair will get tussled in the breeze.

Summer is a time of memories to be made. When I think of the beauty of earth, my friends, my family, & all the people and things that I love, so many have been cemented in past reflections of this wonderful season. We've been given a great gift; remember to make the best of it, and not to take it for granted.

The sky in Boston was a striking blue this weekend, accented with only the occasional faint wisp of cirrus formations. The warmth of the air was coupled by the leaves and flowering shrubs now fully expressing an exuberant welcome to the Summer of 2006.

My parents arrived for a visit later on Friday night. They stayed at my apartment, & I had the futon for them to sleep on.

Saturday we did a fair bit of walking around Boston. We ate at the Cheesecake Factory, which for a chain has excellent vittles. My parents raved about the food and the service. My Father said if he lived here he'd probably never go any where else to eat if he went out. I suppose that summarizes the differences between us rather nicely :D. Life isn't meant to be traveled with the doors and hatches drawn secure, but hey... different strokes for different folks (sigh).
We had some Gelato at Mike's Pastry in the North End, walked to North Station, and took the Orange line back to Melrose.