Sunday, June 28, 2015

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Tonight's picture was taken in June of 2009. Mattie was visiting with our friends Tanja and Katharina who had this adorable bird named Pip. Pip took a liking to Mattie and Mattie wasn't sure what to make out of this experience because it was a strange sensation to have a bird fly onto you and walk on your shoulder. Yet Mattie was intrigued and welcomed Pip, because at the heart of it all, Mattie loved animals. 

Quote of the day: I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~ John Muir


Peter and I did a lot of Foundation work together today and I continue to lie low as I haven't been feeling well. But as the afternoon rolled around, we were both getting stir crazy, so we decided to go out for a walk. Our short walk, landed up being over an hour.

We walked down by the Potomac River and saw that the flood gates were up at Washington Harbor. This isn't a site I am accustomed to seeing, but with all the non-stop and torrential rains we have been having, the River is rising and this does threaten businesses and restaurants at the Harbor. The Harbor learned a painful lesson years ago from flooding, because these gates were not raised and businesses in many cases were significantly damaged and shut down for years. 

The Black Eyed Susans are just glorious and are in full bloom. They are one of my favorites. They come back year after year and are just hearty and vibrant! Which after the winter we had, is remarkable. 

A close up of them! They remind me of sunflowers, which is probably why I like them so much. 

The magnolia trees are all in bloom as well. I really never paid attention to their fragrance before, but when so many of them are in bloom and their fragrance wafts through the air, it is quite intoxicating. Not to mention that the flower itself is stunning. 

There is something to be said about the meaning behind John Muir's quote. For going out for a walk, is not just about the physical exercise associated with the act. There is MUCH MORE associated with walking. Walking brings you in touch with yourself and makes you feel better connected to nature and the world all around you.