I seldom get a chance to veer off the beaten path of my daily morning routine, but when I get the opportunity, I grab it! What I do with that opportunity can vary, but sometimes I have to visit an old friend.
The Old Man and I go back a long time. We’ve taken walks together for many years, though less frequently lately. Despite having a number of years on me, his step is much quicker than mine. In fact, his fast pace always fascinates me. I think that’s why I’m attracted to him. He’s invigorating to be around, particularly while he’s working. At the same time, I feel oddly at peace.
I packed a light picnic breakfast, some hot coffee and went off to meet him. We’ve always had a sort of regular meeting place; I just haven’t been there for a long time. He’s more predictable than I am . . . . and perhaps more dependable as well.
When I left the house it was barely 5:30 a.m. so it was still dark(ish) outside, but with the vestiges of the full moon still high in the sky, I had a pleasant drive into the city.
I spotted him before I even parked my car. He wasn’t really ‘waiting’ for me, but he was there, nonetheless. As I walked up to him, I could feel a grin start in my toes long before it showed up on my face.
The moonlight from the west reflected off the Old Man and lit up my soul. The hint of dawn to the east made its own magic light and I had to stand still just to take it all in. I set the picnic breakfast on our usual table, but I didn’t sit down to eat right away. We had to just chat for a while and catch up on . . . . things. He had a bit of work to do while we chatted, but I didn’t mind. It’s his way of listening.
I asked him to pose for some photos, but he told me that candid action shots are really more his preference. I must admit that he’s right. His strength, reliability, and stamina are much more evident when he’s in motion. He’s a sort of quiet giant, involving himself in industrial endeavors as well as entertainment ventures. It makes him rather busy, but so many people depend on him that one can hardly complain.
What a fortunate change of pace for me! I had an hour with the Old Man this morning. The moon set, the sun rose, the coffee tasted warm and good. I wanted to linger, but I knew the Old Man couldn’t and neither could I. I waved and smiled as I walked away, but there was a spring in my step and a song in my heart that will stay with me through the day. Click the link, sing it with me and tell me if it has the same effect on you.
While you’re listening, let me share the photos the Old Man was kind enough to let me take this morning.
The moon still high in the sky looking over the Old Man’s shoulders provided a soft backlit effect.
Dawn’s faint light showed the Old Man already hard at work as he greeted the first barge traffic of the day.
I’m a romantic at heart, I guess, but I erred when I told you that we ‘walked’. One doesn’t actually walk with this Old Man. One must . . . . promenade. 
Have a great day! Oh! and if you happen to swing by the house, you must promise not to tell . . . . . Camel! 
