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It’s always nice to have visitors.
Recently, an old friend of ours came through our city and shared a cup of coffee with us. It was good to see her, and her very talented daughter, to hear their voices and to share concerns, good news and laughs. The conversation reminded me how important it is to have visitors cross one’s pathway.
Now, to a whole different type of visitor. Every year, our river city hosts a swarm of Mayflies. Their life story is fascinating and kind of sad. Mayflies hatch from the bottom of the river, form swarms that travel up the Mississippi River for a few days. They can be kind of a nuisance, but they aren’t anything to worry about. Here’s why…
The life span of these annual visitors is measured in days. They can hatch, reproduce, fly up the river and die within a length of a few days. Some don’t even live an entire day. So, what good are they? Their annual arrival informs us the surrounding ecosystem is still healthy. That’s good news! And of course, they are food for many animals and birds. Yes, their swarm can be a bother, but their visit is short lived and always interesting.
Growing up on the farm, we always looked forward to the visits of our cousins. It was a time to play cowboys games, maybe a ballgame and to just hang out together. Like most of us, as the years went by, these cousin visits became few and far between until they ended. Life marches on, but those visits forged forever memories.
I visited an old friend this past week. We hadn’t chatted for awhile, and my taste buds were in need of that conversation. Therefore, a glass of Pacific Rim Dry Riesling was soon being held and enjoyed. My first visit with this wine was years ago, and I am very happy we met up again. It’s peachy and tropical flavors end in a wonderful crisp finish. So, nice to visit an old friend!
While at a polling station to vote, an old friend appeared. We jawed back and forth, exchanged verbal jabs and laughs. One never knows when a visit with an old friend will happen.
May your travels be full of visitors. Enjoy them while you can.
As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon.
Cheers!