Today has been a day when you feel glad to be alive.
I awoke quite early, though still later than usual, and witnessed the first fog of the season. I noticed how strange it was that the grey-white mist seemed to mask all but the brightest of colours. The yellows and orange of newly-turning leaves and the rich reds of late blooming flowers, seemed to stand out boldly against the milky background of the air around them.
True to expectations, the fog quickly lifted to reveal a stark bright dawning sun, which afforded me the luxury of breakfast and coffee enjoyed while bathed in warm sunlight shining through kitchen windows.
Today felt like being a good day.
But a good day became a great day.
The morning got better with exciting news of a promotion and a new work role for our son. A new role that will take him far afield and further on.
My own work required me today to travel to Newport ( well, I jest, every silver lining has its cloud). Instead of taking the quicker motorway route, I decided to follow the route through the Forest of Dean.
It was a beautiful, clear, warm and sunny day as I drove through the villages of Westbury, Newham, Blakeney, and beyond.
For part of the way, I drove beside the river Severn, which was in full flow. Usually, for me, the river is seen only as a flow between banks of mud but today it flowed full and serenely with sunlight glittering in ripples across its surface.
There is a beauty in nature we often fail to see in our busy lives. I am glad to say today was a day I had my senses open.
There is a magic in the warmth of sunlight upon an old man’s bones. A magic that restores the feeling of youth. It is a great feeling to relax and enjoy; to bathe in the beauty of still being alive.
