Legend has it that Beethoven used to count the exact number of beans when making a cup of coffee (60, if you’re interested). Whether you’re as fastidious as that or not, pour yourself a cup and ponder the world with the perfect accompaniment of a playlist. Apple Music

Whatever one’s musical preference, today is an ideal day for coffee and contemplation. Or, as in my case, for chilled herbal tea and a side of organic apple sauce with sour cream. Either way the view off the balcony is spectacular: the burgeoning river, farm fields of stubble (the snow is gone except in the tiny valleys or upon the shoals along the water’s edge), the parades of Canada geese honking overhead, an azure dome and brilliant sunshine.

I also caught sight of a Ladybug miraculously climbing about the side of my mahogany desk. The engineering of these tiny creatures defies intelligence!

Although the forecast tomorrow is freezing rain, the broader picture brings hopes for springtime and warmth. Earlier today I stationed myself in a deck chair and absorbed the morning sunshine. The seasonal change is almost precipitous. How soon the records of January and February vanish, reviving an equally abrupt change within the caverns of thought and expression.

Yet not all is about innovation and growth. The entire world has been overtaken lately by the threat of war.  It is a horrible confession at this or any other time in human history – though sadly it derives dismissive legitimacy from its repeated performance. How we got here from the dinosaurs is a small compliment by comparison. It is the identical curiosity which governs any state dedicated to bombing in lieu of accommodation. Conflicting with this narrow assessment is an equally persuasive theme of intolerance and mayhem by the putative defendants (the enemy). I have no more idea what is behind this than can explain the survival of the current American régime. As my erstwhile physician commented, its rigid status must be endured for the 4-year term of election.

Yet in spite of the despondency, we trundle onward. There are those such as my friend js and his wife Jannick who are already planning escape to their summer estate. Others are travelling from the South Pacific to France to unite with family. Others have ventured to Myrtle Beach for the March Break. And I have no doubt that many others are similarly anxious to unfold their own private ambitions to coincide with the springtime gusto.

Like weeds from the fields we prosper inexplicably; our continued enthusiasm is unrestrained.