A bike ride

After dinner, I tucked Amelia and Claire into the double chariot and hooked it up to my bike so that I could take them for a ride. Normally my girls are pretty fussy at the end of the day and I thought some fresh air would uplift our weary dispositions. My pretty little cruiser has only three speeds, so even a slight hill can be an arduous climb; especially when lugging two children, but I enjoy it immensely. I climbed the long hill that runs past our home, listening to Amelia comment on the wildflowers, saying hi to the neighborhood horse, and singing "twinkle twinkle little star" off key. I glanced back to see how Claire was managing and she was happily leaning against Amelia with big eyes, her chubby feet kicking wildly. Ahhh this is wonderful, I thought to myself as I glanced around me. The sunlight was warm on my skin, but not too hot, and the air was filled with lazy, drifting dandelions.*bliss* I was headed towards home when I noticed a friend of mine watering her garden. She is an incredibly gentle soul, kind, unassuming, genuine, intelligent and fascinating. She has had a great many adventures in her life and she continues to live life to the fullest. In so many ways, she reminds me of my dear Loretta. She noticed me on my bike and asked if she could join me. She went into her garage and pulled out an antique bike from the early 70's. She dusted it off and with a few wobbles, joined me on the road. We both smiled giddily like schoolgirls and peddled up and down the road until I realized I need to get the girls home for a bath. It was such a delightful way to end the the day and I was smitten by the fact that Diane had chosen to join me, especially since it had been years since she had ridden her bicycle.