Given my confining immobility (my calcified spine no longer props me upright for prolonged period) I have no hesitancy chronicling today’s leisurely drive throughout the countryside. It was my version of a seasonal sleigh ride, an aimless but productive time to chat with my partner, a fanciful contemplation of the upcoming holiday. The morning’s crisp air and bright blue sky invited drama. It was a spirited but dawdling drive along dry roads from our small town into the hinterland to nearby villages and historic rural areas along the Ottawa River (the resort of reclaimed pinewood that once outfitted our study with the Vermont casting fireplace insert).

The timing was perfect. The Tylenol Extra Strength arthritis pills (which I had judiciously imbibed immediately before our departure) ensured a painless ride. Though I hasten to add that the newly paved roads in Renfrew County approaching Burnstown (where we stopped to purchase some locally made goods as Christmas gifts) added an uncommon smoothness to the rural retreat.

There were other consoling factors perceptibly affecting the outing; viz.,within the neighbouring fields recently harvested were skiffs of unblemished white snow upon the frozen stumps of corn stalks, a remarkable log cabin was now visible from the winding highway among the leafless trees, there were wreaths with green and red ornaments and the prospect of a visit to Antrim Truck Stop perhaps to investigate a moist carrot cake with luscious white icing. We collected some cash from our bank (another seasonal imperative); and afterwards paused at a liquor store to purchase two bottles of wine which we then delivered as well wishers with token thanks.

I also spoiled myself listening to the instructional and euphonious voice of Preston Trombly on Sirius XM’s Symphony Hall classical music channel 78. In this mad world his discourse is a sobering and unifying element, notably for its longevity and continued buoyancy.

Preston Andrew Trombly (born December 30, 1945, in Hartford, Connecticut) is an American musician and broadcast personality.Trombly earned his Bachelor of Music from the University of Connecticut in 1969. He received a Master of Musical Arts degree from the Yale School of Music in 1972. He has been a Fellow in Composition and Conducting at the Tanglewood Music Center (1970), a Guggenheim Fellow (1974–1975), and a resident fellow at the MacDowell Colony. Trombly’s visual art has been shown in multiple exhibitions, principally in the New York area. In the early 1980s Trombly was active as a saxophonist and jazz clarinetist. He played with the Jaki Byard group, and also as a soloist. He has taught at Vassar College, CUNY and the Catholic University of America. Wikipedia

Music has always enriched my experience, It is the heady fermentation of life.  Naturally one cannot avoid Eugene Ormandy and Handel at this time of year.  I make no apology for my unrestrained involvement in the typical music of every description of the season, from classical to Bing Crosby’s White Christmas and Beegie Adair’s dissolving lounge editions.

The necessary conclusion of today’s adventure was – as usual – a solo ride to Stittsville to point the nose of my trusty Cadillac Optiq through the car wash before heading home to its subterranean deposit. The car surpassed 20,000 Km today, about 3 months since its purchase on July 25th last. Already the dealership has put me on notice!