ANOTHER EASTER HAS COME AND GONE and the world continues to rotate on its axis as it has done for millennia.  That comes as no surprise, but it is certainly an opportunity to look forward to the rebirth of nature.

The North Wind and the Sun is an Aesop’s Fable that speaks on multiple levels of kindness over force but it also reminds me of how winter and spring vie with one another, with Spring always winning out in the end.  As I write this, the temperature was at the freezing level this morning, but the sun has burned off the chill and while it may not be quite short-sleeve weather for some, the high temperature today is forecasted to be 56°F (about 13°C) . That’s all due to change next week, when it will begin feeling like summer!

In just a little over a week, I will head to Prague, Czech Republic, for an eight-day tour of the city.  There the forecast is for the highs to be on the cool/chilly side, but a light sweater or jacket should be all that is necessary.  This won’t be my first trip to Prague, but the last time was some 50+ years ago, and only for a day or so, so it will be like a new experience.  It may also be my last international trip, as my finances have experienced a setback, and costs and conditions around the world today make casual travel like this prohibitive for me.  It might be just as well, as the ravages of age are showing in ongoing back, hip and leg issues.  Thank God for physical therapists!  I have exercises that help minimize the discomforts.

This weekend, I’m hoping to take a day trip to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to attend the Artisan Guitar Show.  I spent the entire weekend there last year and had a great time.  But I don’t need (and don’t have the time to spend) the whole weekend, so an early morning 2.5 hour drive, a few hours roaming the exhibit hall, a delicious burger (I had one of the best last year!) and then another 2.5 hours back, and I should be in bed at my normal time, ready to work Sunday!

And that’s the state of (my) world today!