Serendipity

Typically, I detest Sunday business travel. Sometime, in the last decade, I recovered from workaholism. While I understand that I came late to my epiphany that life beyond work is a wonderful thing, the light bulb finally went on. I like to have my Sundays for reading, movies, naps, friends, pipes, and even the occasional football or baseball game. Not for security lines, boarding lines, and rental car lines. But, yesterday was a different story.

Imagine my surprise walking off the plane here in Northwest Arkansas to discover a mild, sunny day with temperatures in the 50s. I left Washington with a heavy sheepskin coat because it was so nippy. I didn’t need a coat at all when I arrived here. A sweater was enough. It’s only January and I’m already shack-whacky. I can’t stand being cooped up inside all the time, and I love smoking my pipe outside.

So, after schlepping my luggage and briefcase to my room here at the Inn, I made my way to the deck above the koi pond for a pipe and a beverage. Since the sun was beginning its journey below the horizon, a slight chill was starting to come on. I was blissfully alone, watching the sunset’s reflections on the still pond surface.

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