Our functional vis-à-vis social convention with Alana and Jay at eleven o’clock this morning was favourably concluded though rather more precipitously than we had anticipated. The steep ending was however far from unexpected. They’re busy. Very  busy. The simmering urgency and hastiness of our hosts and their houseguest Isaac was evident immediately upon our arrival at their country estate.  Apart from me, no one sat down even for a moment during the entire time we were there, suspended in the elaborate new kitchen, hearing of the innumerable things they have yet to do to complete their impending caravan to Nova Scotia three days hence.

Approaching end of day, having recovered our digs upon completion of a deliberately circuitous route homeward (including a stop for a tube of exotic herbs), my erstwhile physician “Facetimed” me that he was back from the Gulf of Mexico and invited us for a swim.  Not especially now. But anytime. I exuberantly grasped the advantage and returned the volley with a breakneck (and perhaps indiscrete) invitation of myself for a swim. Now.  He willingly consented (as I knew he would because he despises hesitation and social nonsense).

I can bluntly attest that the swim was the Sacrament of Heaven!  It constitutes most certainly the best I have felt all day; and, considering the glamour of this day, that is no small compliment. Our host confirmed that the temperature of the pool is in readiness earlier than normal. I honestly cannot think of a more delightful way to have concluded this summery afternoon.

Though it doesn’t relate to summertime venture, I want to add that earlier this afternoon I received an email communication from a relative on the New Brunswick side of the family.

Call it serendipitous, as you will, but such is the fortuity of events that it was only hours later while I paddled about the pool of my erstwhile physician that he sorrowfully commented from his poolside seat that May 25th marks the 15th anniversary of his late wife’s death. We all agreed that the memory is as if it were yesterday only. And our beloved friend added that we are all fortunate to have had the past 15 years within which to enjoy this spectacle called life.

Because of the lateness of the day, our plummet upon my erstwhile physician was as sharply wound up and brought to a close. We promptly abandoned the glimmering meadow and the distant weeping willows. After mounting the car and honking the horn, we gleefully waved from the windows of the vehicle and departed.

I’ve developed a liking for these abbreviated colloquia. They are perhaps the latest of the indispensable though unadulterated communions which succeed to address a stipulated purpose without the surplusage of time or tittle-tattle. Nothing overcomes curmudgeonly response better than objectivity and production.