Soaking It Up

Today I am grateful for safe travels and new experiences, for mild weather and many miles of walking.

My husband Darcy and I traveled to Baltimore, Maryland over the weekend. Our son Sam was also there with several other students and professors from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for the SASES (Students of Agronomy, Soil & Environmental Sciences) conference. Sam had his experience as a student and conference attendee. We had ours more as tourists and visitors.

We did join him Monday afternoon at the conference where his poster was part of the undergraduate poster presentations highlighting research done by students and professors. It was fun to take in the conference at the Baltimore Convention Center and see Sam engage with others as they stopped by to view his poster. Though tired from travels and each having some catching up to do, I think we would all agree it was a meaningful experience.

We soaked up the ideal weather, unseasonably warm for early November, spending plenty of time walking around downtown and the Inner Harbor area, and eating several meals on outdoor patios. We soaked it up because we knew we would return to shorter days and more darkness, cooler weather, and snow in the forecast. Short sleeves and some sweat were welcome as we walked and took in places like Little Italy, Fell’s Point, and the Mount Vernon neighborhood. The Inner Harbor walkways took us along the water and we continued to appreciate views of the harbor, buildings, and sky that changed around each turn we traveled.

We soaked up some Maryland countryside on a drive we took Monday, and also soaked up friendly conversation with others eating near us in places with memorable names like Miss Shirley’s in Baltimore and Chick & Ruth’s Delly in Annapolis. Good food, cityscape views from the 20th floor of our hotel, and a partial view of the lunar eclipse yesterday on our way to the airport were also relished.

Time away from work. Time in a new place having new experiences. All worth soaking up.

Back home, back to work, and routine. There is also plenty worth soaking up here. It starts with morning meditation time. A wet walk with our dog Oliver in some welcome and needed rain. A reliable cup of coffee.

Soak up life’s little wonders, and big wonders, today. Have a good day!

Inner Harbor, Downtown Baltimore