Gardeners, I think, dream bigger dreams than emperors.

Mary Cantwell

I had a great trip to Dow Gardens yesterday with my buddy Mr. T.. It was ridiculously hot, but we still enjoyed a long trek around the winding paths, across a few bridges, and into the deep greens and bright flowers that make the 110 acres a rewarding walk despite the sultry summer.

We talked about the trees – “Oh my goodness!” he said in response to one massive specimen; we talked about what might be swimming around in the ponds; we talked about where the monsters might be hiding; and we talked about what fun is was to be together: “I really enjoy walking around with you,” I said; “Me too,” he responded.

We eventually wore ourselves out, but not before making some really great memories.

It’s hard enough to be a full-on granddaddy when the grandkids live all the way south in Orlando; it’s pretty-much impossible with this one growing up in Bahrain.

But I do feel I have at least some footing to move forward from (even if it’s like a quarter-inch toehold just twenty feet off the valley floor when I’m trying to climb the whole of El Capitan).

Regardless, I am grateful for the opportunity to have had Mr. T. to myself for a few hours. I plan to do everything I possibly can to repeat the experience as often as possible.

I seem to say this every day now, but “Peace and Love” to everyone. Lord knows the world needs it – DEREK