Escape !

I had the opportunity to take a country ride yesterday . After the " challenges " of the past few months , this was a most welcome escape . The direction was westward - a direction seldom traveled - and very different from the usual eastward environs . There was a delicious sensation of freedom from the daily responsibilities . Suddenly I was in a rural setting that could have been almost anywhere in the temperate world . The day was warm for Fall... the air was crisp , clean and deeply savored . The sight of sunlight glistening on deep green leaves...of fenced pastures sheltering mares and their dear , snuggling foals...of woodland brooks in hidden corners and beautiful houses on country roads was heady stuff , indeed ! It was the kind of experience that felt like days had passed , not mere hours ! I returned strangely rested and refreshed...deeply grateful for the peace and beauty that yet remains in our strange world of turmoil and stress .