The air was redolent with birdsong and ocean breezes rustled the leaves of camellia and azalea. I was restoring the soul while Ms. Wonder wandered the garden's interior, camera in hand, producing something she called a pictorial essay, whatever that is.
A young man who'd parked his noisy pickup in a space near the picnic area gave me a look as he passed by on his way to join his waiting family. It was one of those looks that if translated into the common tongue would have included phrases like 'silly old coot.'
I recognized it as a look of envy, of course. Although, what actually sparked the green-eyed monster in this young geezer, I cannot say. But I didn't blame him for it. On a morning this warm and humid, a table in the shade with cooling sea breezes and icy refreshments is highly desired, if not downright coveted.
After all, who could be offended or cast blame on others when surrounded by the garden paradise known as Airlie Gardens, especially in the middle of the celebration known as the North Carolina Azalea Festival? The answer, of course, is no one.
Enjoy the NC Azalea Festival, enjoy the newly arrived spring, and Fierce Qigong!