“Oh, what a beautiful mornin’, Oh, what a beautiful day.” The sun is shining. The birds are many and loud, and all sorts have dropped by to dine: the cardinals, the Baltimore orioles, my old standbys, the chickadees, and some catbirds liking the grape jelly. I sat outside through both papers and my coffee then took an outside shower. What a delightful way to start the day.

I leave tomorrow for Boston then on Monday I’m off to Colorado. I have a few errands today in preparation for the trip then I’m going to be right back on that deck. The new book is a good one, and I want to relax and read with only the sounds of the birds and the trickling from my fountain as background music. Gracie and the cats have a new sitter who’s moving in tomorrow afternoon.

A certain excitement accompanies any of my trips, no matter where I go. Walking down the jet way is always filled with expectation for me. I love the familiar sounds and smells as I approach the airplane door. While I wait in line to board, I look through the little jet way window at the runway. It never gets old for me. I know plane travel is increasingly uncomfortable and expensive, but it’s the destination which makes it all worthwhile.

I’m watching Ghana play Australia in the World Cup. Right now the whole of Ghana must be at a standstill with people glued to TV sets or radios. The score is tied at one-one.

I am loving the day and feel as if I should dance a jig and shout to all of you at the top of my voice, “Have a wonderful Saturday!”