I remember as child, to have a day off from school, away from the obligation, from the mental work/stress of learning, (the profession of childhood) was a release that filled me with anticipation.  The times have changed, as change is the given, — that up-welling of joy remains the same.

Our two grand children, aged 5 and 4, had yesterday, Friday free from school.  My wife and I, on a typical school day, oversee their online, at home learning.  With a whole day free-from-school, what can be done, what adventures can be enjoyed within the envelope of a lesson-free-day?

A trip to the Fox river was in order.  In late January the river is partially frozen over.  The Batavia Park District personnel have cleared the snow from the surface of the ice, at the lagoon.  A giant-sized skating rink is available for all to use.  We arrived at the ice, late morning.  The kids were entranced by walking on the frozen river ice.  As I prepared to walk onto the ice a Park District maintenance man mention to me that the ice measured 9 inches in thickness.  I marveled inwardly that winter’s cold changes water,  the fluidity essential to all biological life, to it’s solid state.  What molecular “magic” is this?

The kids had a great time on the ice.  The next hour or so, they spent exploring the river bank, in particular the old mill race, that is now a frozen creek bed, a passage for the many small wild animals that live close to the river.  My wife and I merely kept an eye on the two kids as they explored to their hearts content, in the snow.

Next, we waited briefly in a line of cars at McDonalds drive-thru.  We ordered two Happy Meals with chicken nuggets, a Quarter Pounder with cheese, and a Filet-O-Fish meal.

Paradise!

Now for a tune, rhythm and lyric to inspire for today’s course of our life.

I’ve Been Thinking About You

by London Beat

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