This morning, I took a walk with little Richard. We went to the 30 acre tract which adjoins the old Guernsey Hall and was transformed into such an excellent arboretum by the Marquand family back in the mid-50's. All of the owners of that land were avid horticulturalists.
The air was thin and crisp and the Sun was warming this patch of Earth after a night where temperatures dipped into the 20's. We were 20 degrees warmer now, the frost evaporating from the shadow of the massive Norway Spruce. I felt happy that I had taken my favorite wool sweater from stow-away and wore it today. My worn out pullover who I bring back for a 6 month stay, every year...Enveloping me with comfort like the old friend whose rare visits bring such joy.
The sky was cloudless showing most shades of blue with the exception of the darkest shades. Light shaded and Robin's egg-like at the horizon growing to deeper shades towards the Zenith. I wished I had brought my camera.
We strolled. RJ kept his pace 15 meters in front of mine only pausing to examine a stone or to pick up a fallen leaf or twig. We passed the Japanese Maple and American Beech, the European Larch and the Mountain Laurels. There was an Empress Tree and an Amur Cork tree. The Dawn Redwood from China, a Cedar from Lebanon and an Incense Cedar. The Tulip Tree and the Kobus Magnolias, most all now are entering dormancy and Winter's sleep. The last leaves which clung to some though, were brilliant in their translucent magnification of the sunlight...Amazing hues of Squash Yellow and faded clay, burning embers staging a sunburst finish.
We were alone. Leaves rustling while they shimmered. Welcoming us and saying goodbye. We walked apart. RJ chasing the squirrels up the old hickory tree. I surveyed the grounds where 230 years ago Washington's army moved towards Princeton after the battle of Trenton and narrowly defeated the British in a bloddy battle where they were initally out-numbered. Before all of that the Leni-Lenape tribes planted and hunted on the land. Now all here is quiet and preparing for winter.
RJ handed me some acorns and a small branch. His hands were icy cold. He tugged at my hand and we headed back towards home.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
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