There a tangible evidence of smoke in the atmosphere as the residue of extraordinary forest fires continues to spread across the province. Initially I had mistaken the grey smear for a mist – but it turns out to be more of a smog. Some say they can detect the smell of wood burning.

Nevertheless our casual entertainment yesterday was fired as we whimsically orchestrated a late afternoon jaunt to the golf club where we – and our grandnephew – lingered on the flagstone patio overlooking the fairway for a modest but fulfillng meal. And when we had finished our relaxing nosh and an after-dinner elongation while watching the geese and their goslings by the river, we further amused ourselves by driving to Scoops in the Village of Pakenham where we treated ourselves to ice cream sundaes.

It was this buzz/kick intermission which preceded this morning’s similarly attractive summer perfection – a vaporous film under an otherwise brilliantly clear sky. Nor is it insignificant that my diary today is completely empty. Indeed since re-establishing ourselves 8 weeks ago on terra firma it is only now that we have closed the doors upon the numerous constraints which have until now cluttered our daily agenda. The firmament of our being has gradually begun to clear, the particles of distraction and obligation descending from the whole to the bottom of the sphere, welcoming both increased visibility and release of repressive moorings.

The effect is both psychological and philosophical. The unity of one’s simpler designs is not to be underrated. As complicated as each of us is, we can only manage a limited catalogue of daily expressions.  The characterization of that voicing is one which – with advancing age – becomes regularly more acute. The subtlety is not to be confused with severity; rather it is about distinction – knowing whence one comes and wither one goes, preeminence and illustriousness. It is somehow the reverse of downsizing – exchanging superiority for triviality.

What buoys me today is the inexpressible summer weather which has suddenly overtaken us. It was all windows open today when driving my car.  And shirt collar too! Everything bespeaks welcome and balminess – including the hints of irrational and eccentric behaviour. Nature has opened its doors to summer frivolity. Soon we’ll talk of sunburn.