Roads

I drove to Waterloo today for my Master Naturalist class. Arriving early, I stopped by to visit my Aunt Doris and Uncle Larry. They were surprised and happy to see me; it's been so long since I've seen them that I can't recall the last time. We chatted about what was happening in Alton (I have to confess, Doris seemed more up-to-date on some things than I was) and one of their cats decided to visit me too. It was a beautiful autumn day and yes, Larry is still feeding his critters. All too soon, I had to leave to attend my class, which was an interesting presentation on forests/woodlands.
After the class was over, one of the participants invited us all to view his gardens and yard in Columbia. He had a beautifully landscaped yard which was dominated by miniature train tracks and trains. Watching the trains, I was struck by the way they went round and round the same route time after time. Sometimes it seems life is like that as well--like we're just going round and round and getting nowhere. When this feeling comes over me, I know it's time to lay down some new tracks--try new things and pursue new interests. Maybe that's what compelled me to take this Master Naturalist class in the first place--to follow the road less traveled, not knowing where it will lead me, but certainly worthwhile. Though the destination is unclear, I know I'm going in the right direction--I refuse to be like a model train that's always going somewhere, but getting nowhere. Like the poet says "I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference". Peace.