there are moments

There are moments, sometimes entire days, when it does not seem so bad to live here. I tend to forget these moments when the heat and humidity are oppressive, when drivers are jerkish, when the students overrun like cockroaches, when big ugly houses go up in my backyard, when winter drags on endlessly gray. But there are times that are perfect and lovely. Last night was the BF's 49th birthday, and it was the first break in the days of heat index ratings over a hundred. I thought a picnic at our favorite corner of the big lake was in order, so I packed food and wine and candles and a big soft blanket. BF's son and his girlfriend joined us, making the evening more festive and special. When we got there, the sun was hitting the trees across the lake and lighting them up in a thousand shades of hot green. As we talked and laughed and skipped stones, the fog started rolling in from cool coves at the edges of the lake. And then the sunset streaked the sky from horizon to horizon. It was beautiful and refreshing and rejuvenating and reminded me that there are wonderful days to be alive here in the Midwest.