Leaming's Run

Tuesday brought such perfect weather that I just could not stay indoors. Now that I have my rolling walker, complete with seat in case I need to rest (aka Hugo), I decided the time had come to return to my beloved Leaming's Run Gardens. It has been at least two years since I have been there. Even the last couple of years that I was able to make it, I couldn't do the whole walk. Since I have been visiting the gardens for thirty years, I do know some short cuts, and made use of them when I felt that I couldn't do the entire walk.

I arrived about 9:45, and was happy to see there were only one or two cars in the lot. I unloaded Hugo and we set out on the familiar path. I greeted certain trees, familiar garden designs, benches, even spots along the path where tree roots cropped up enough to make small barriers for Hugo's wheels, as if they were old friends. A few new small gardens were pleasant surprises. The kitchen gardens around the log cabin have been expanded. I see they've planted

some Concord grape vines. And there certainly are more varieties in the hen house. I did not see any chipmunks this time, and no humming birds.

(And no, Lisa, no snakes put in an appearance.) But lots of frogs and turtles and birds.)










Many early flowers greeted me, but nowhere near what will be appearing in coming months. It's always new and different no matter how often you visit, all the way into October.













This time I just enjoyed revisiting the familiar - like coming home again. I enjoyed the trees and ferns and water, and the patterns of sun and shadow constantly changing.




























Hugo served me well. But by the time I had passed through the amazing stretch of tall bamboo, I was happy to see the gazebo, where I rested for a while.








Even after that rest, as I pushed on, I realized I was slowing down considerably.












By the time Emily's gift shop was in sight, near the end of the journey, I decided I might have overestimated my abilities this time. Didn't even pause there to find out what new things she has fashioned from dried flowers.









I just pushed on, past the beautiful Leaming House, to the final trail that leads back to the parking lot.














Two hours after I had begun, it was a relief to get Hugo back into the Baretta and put myself in beside him.







Home again - exhausted - aching - but very, very happy.