“I saw a bubble float past my window, fat and wobbly and ripening towards that dragonfly blue they turn just before they burst. So I looked down at the yard and there you were, you and your mother, blowing bubbles at the cat, such a barrage of them that the poor beast was beside herself at the glut of opportunity. She was actually leaping in the air, our insouciant Soapy! Some of the bubbles drifted up through the branches, even above the trees. You were too intent on the cat to see the celestial consequences of your worldly endeavours. They were very lovely. Your mother is wearing her blue dress and you are wearing your red shirt and you were kneeling on the ground together with Soapy between and that effulgence of bubbles rising, and so much laughter. Ah, this life, this world.”
― Marilynne Robinson, Gilead

Holiday weekend, there is relaxation in the air. We are making a plan for the day. Something outdoors, of course. While we work out details, I take Charlie out on a nice walk in the fresh woods. I take a chance to reach my dear friend in Tampa on the phone. Will she answer? It’s been way, way too long since we talked. And she does! So my walk becomes a wonderful walk with a friend. Then, our plan is made. We drive to Lincoln, Mass. to the Decordova Sciulpture Garden. The great good fortune is that the bubble man is standing on the lawn making the most magnificent bubbles! I’m completely enchanted watching him make and send up all sizes. And the children all running up as quick as they can to pop them. Yes, the sculptures and grounds are gorgeous and interesting. But the bubbles brought me the greatest joy. And then, pizza, in Concord. Delicious delicious pizza. Pizza and bubbles––I think, today, I was five.