Beautiful Weekend

Anyone who lived in the capital area would agree with me that this was a beautiful weekend; the first weekend of autumn, but with highs in the upper seventies/low eighties. Saturday was probably one of the last days that I could enjoy wearing shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. A couple of walks around the neighborhood; a quick stop into Justin's for a beer (and a couple of haikus written); and a return to the bookstore on Dove and Hudson, where I picked up a copy of a book, "We Are All Lincoln Men," about the impact on friendships on President Lincoln through his life.

A nap, pleasantly interrupted by a call from an old friend, then a walk up to the Ginger Man for an early supper and a few beers. I had a pork tenderloin with a Malbec to complement it.

I got to see a very good and wonderful friend there. A sudden downpour delayed my walk home.

Sunday was just as nice: church service with a dear and loving friend, followed by a drive to Stockbridge for some lunch in the courtyard of the Red Lion Inn. I had not been in Stockbridge since earlier in the summer, and my return brought with it pleasant memories of this town and previous walks and moments in another outside part of the inn. The original intent of the trip was to go to the outlets at Lee, which I did, to see if I could afford a Brooks Brothers suit at the factory store; I balked, but picked up a new pair of braces and some socks. A wonderful walk and conversation with my dear friend, a wonderful drive through the Berkshires, and home to spend the evening with my daughter.

One of the activities that I need to learn to enjoy more is spending time by myself, getting used to the time alone at the cloister, without wives, daughters, or cats. Sometimes it is eerily quiet, but it is also enjoyable. I think I shall flourish in my new abode, as long as I don't isolate myself and continue to stay in touch with the outside world, online and in person. The temptation to withdraw or retreat is great, but I always relish human contact.