Journal: 12/24/05

I took one of my favorite drives yesterday, up through the lovely countryside of eastern Connecticut to see Jaimie, Jess, and Noah. It was wonderful to watch for all the seasonal decorations as I drove along. Everything seemed unusually peaceful for this time of year; no rushing and worrying was apparent, just the houses, villages, fields, and forests seemingly resting comfortably and awaiting something special. At Plainfield Central School, I was fortunate enough to get to see Jaimie’s 8th grade classroom, where he proudly displayed his new “smartboard”. The kids had all dashed out at the last bell (heading home for the holidays), and Jaimie and I spent fifteen quiet minutes together, he teaching and me learning about this new piece of classroom technology. There was a happy shine on his face as he spoke. Later, after a cheerful visit with Noah, Jess, Annie, and Tracey (down from Providence), I drove back home along the rolling roads as the winter sun disappeared in the west. It was a sunset you couldn’t have painted any prettier. Above the darkening trees was a line of brilliant color – mostly shades of deep red – made all the more beautiful by the twinkling Christmas lights that were everywhere. The car seemed to drive itself as I relaxed and took in the restful scenes, mile after mile.