Nearby the Arnprior Regional Health, down the hill to Robert Simpson Park where the Madawaska River meets the Ottawa River, I chanced to encounter two ladies beneath the bandstand overlooking the river beach below.

After apologizing for interrupting their casual privacy – for which indiscretion they generously and dismissively forgave me – I proceeded to take a number of snaps of the scenery stretching to the distant mountainous region in the Province of Québec across the water. Today was one of those exceptional days which I consider warranted especial attention. Normally photography is the way I punctuate my psychic absorption, seeking to capture its excitement by a similarly distinctive image.

The domestic photographic inclination unwittingly hit an alternate step on the ladder when, following polite enquiry, I discovered through precipitous premises that the ladies – who are sisters – are related by marriage to MM who was the first tradesman with whom I connected upon arrival in Almonte exactly 50 years ago (June 12th, 1976). The daughter-in-law recalled having also heard from MM that he had recommended RP of the Village of Clayton to construct the stained glass insert for the tiny round window in the drawing room of my first small house on St. George Street.

it will amuse you, dear Reader, to learn as well that MM’s lawyer was EW who bought my practice upon my retirement and who subsequently represented us as our Solicitor before she too retired.

Fortuitously today’s chance encounter also accentuates my mother’s birthday on June 12th and the birthday of my first legal assistant JMT on June 11th. By further coincidence it was only hours earlier today that we arranged to foregather with my erstwhile associate at the golf club in the next several days.

And while I know it must sound laughable, there is yet another notable conjunction today upon having surpassed 20,000 Km on my Cadillac Optiq purchased about 3 months ago. At this rate it will take me another 3 months before reckoning the need to trade (a purely commercial though genuine remark).

Highlighting these singular correspondences was my partner greeting me at the open apartment door upon my arrival home. In an instant my extensive social involvement on an otherwise mundane drive dissolved into details and detachment. The questionable triumphs of the day were boldly retailed as eventful. Honestly I fashion myself as discriminate. These petty coincidences though are the fabric of my day; and arrogantly perhaps I view the narrative as worthy.