Small Cozies

My experience with Mom & now with another older friend leaves me a firm believer in the therapy value of Small Cozies - fun jaunts out & about - for "senior citizens" (or ancients, as Mom described herself).  And I'm an equally big believer in helping older friends experience the changing of the seasons, of the time of day - winter into spring, late afternoon light to sunset to twilight to twinklings stars with silver moon.  


Looping through Rydal's curving roads in the midst of winter, wondering how things will look come spring, makes it all the more magical to drive those same roads months later, as we have over the past six glorious weeks, seeing what has been the most awesome spring I've ever seen.  


We talk about the once-bare branches, now busting out with a fierce abundance of blooms.  We notice how the trees that were in flower two weeks ago are in leaf now, how the crab apple trees picked up the baton when the ornamental pear set it down, how the dogwoods are taking over for the crab apple, how the colors seem surreal - especially the deep, vivid magenta.  It's mind-boggling, the amount of miles I've logged onto my loyal & true car, but soaking in spring's glories is a limited time opportunity.  


This past Tuesday was especially magical.  An older friend, battling cabin fever, asked if I was available for an outing.  Typically, we head up for an afternoon ramble in bucolic Bucks County, ending a leisurely drive with a sip & nibble at one of several favorite spots.  But this time, I suggested we get together in the early evening, after her supper.  She was startled by the suggestion, but agreed.  (Like my dear old Mom, she's up for anything that smacks of adventuring!)


And so we were off, on a beautiful early spring evening, on a carefully planned sprint into the center of Center City, taking what is, in my opinion, the most beautiful drive in the world - through Chestnut Hill to the Lincoln Drive, up the Kelly Drive & across the river at the East Falls Bridge, up the West River Drive past beyond charming Boat House Row & epic architecture of the Art Museum, back across the river onto the Parkway, up to Parkway to loop around the magnificent Logan Square fountains, back down the parkway - flags of the nations snapping to our left & right - nipped down the Kelly (East River) Drive to the Lincoln Drive (savoring a glorious sunset on our left just as we had gloried in the sun-tinted clouds on our way up), back a different route through Chestnut Hill, then onto the Cheesecake Factory to close the evening with a sip & nibble.


Along the way - less than 90 minutes - we encountered people out walking dogs, couples walking, parents with children in tow & babies in strollers;  just before heading back over the river at the Art Museum, a peloton of cyclists zoomed past us (we'd see them heading back into the city on our return down Kelly Drive); we marveled over the in-line roller skater making his way up the Parkway, smiled at a throng of friends gathered near the imposing Free Library, and marveled anew as we drove up the Kelly Drive, a stream of runners, walkers, cyclists & skaters to our left, a flow of activity.


It was one of the best "small cozies" I've ever been on.  I knew the drive it would be wonderful - that particular ramble was one of Mom's all-time favorites.  Never took long  - never much more than 90 minutes from our door to a welcomed cocktail at a favorite spot.  But throw in Tuesday's glorious early evening sky & sunset, and our drive felt like a bit of a magic carpet ride! 

Off to Travis Gallery!!

John & I are whisking Anne off to the opening reception at Travis Gallery's this evening! She had a wonderful time at the Gratz & Artists Gallery shows last Saturday; am sure she'll find this one especially fun - lots of our friends have pieces in the annual "Byers Bucks Fever" show.

Must stop for $$ on the way ~ will cap off with dinner at Pineville Tavern, dearly beloved by all three of us!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!