THE WEATHER REDEEMS ITSELF!

The past few days have have been lovely here. Flowers and tree buds are blooming, never mind the allergies. Birds are chirping and singing. Some to claim territory, others seeking a mate. On the streets,I meet a group of people back from running the 26.2 mile St. Louis Marathon along with 12,500 other competitors. They are panting, sweaty and wearing their medals. Glad they had participated, but not anxious to try again next year.

Families are out. Pushing carriages with tots skipping and running ahead until something stops the children in their tracks. A carpenter making repairs on a house is coming down a ladder. He interrupts his climb down to talk to the children about what he is doing and what his tools are. They are intrigued with him. He explains why his belt has so many tools on it, and why he needs such a large wheel barrel. The parents, who have walked ahead, call to the children who run to them, animated with all they have learned.

The small scene reminds me how wonderful an ordinary neighborhood street, when safe, can be as a learning place for children and all of us when the weather is good.