Thankful

I saw the Sun and blue, blue skies today. After two weeks of clouds and rain, I was so happy to go outside in knickers and a thin t-shirt. The light, the heat, the energy of our nearest and dearest star was systematically absorbed by all the cells in my body, and I am wholly recharged. The energy excess is being burned off in a smile on my face that won't go away. My spirit, my mind, and my body are at peace.


I saw green hillsides (they are green around here this time of year) and crisp skylines today. There was no haze. The Bay Farm Island Bike Bridge was in the middle of my ride. I never tire of reducing my speed and looking West, then East, mid-span. The outline of San Francisco's cityscape is beautiful by any measure. Oakland's Oracle Arena and McAfee Coliseum dominate the view opposite, dwarfed by those green hills. The 94502 section of Alameda is on the other side of that bridge, I took a leisurely ride down paths I first rode twenty-eight years ago. There are many more houses now, But the paths mean no car traffic. My trip was quiet and serene.


I saw a hundreds of birds on my ride today. I grew up in this area, and I remember a time when the variety and number of birds to be seen was considerably less. Wildlife and habitat conservation efforts and a reduction in pollution have done wonders for the ecology of the San Francisco Bay Area. I am so very thankful for the thousands of environmentalists, and decades of work, that make, and keep, my Home the beautiful place it is.

Today would have been very different if I drove the car. I would have missed out on a lot. My day of being outside is not over yet. Next is a ride to Park Street, where I will share ice cream with a friend.

Sun, warmth, beautiful views, a bike ride, birds, ice cream, and friend time. Does it get any better?

Today is a day for me to be thankful. What are you thankful for?