While I have never participated in such a thing, I understand the idea of progressive meals among a group of friends…one house for appetizers, one for the main meal, one for dessert, another for coffee, etc. It’s cumulative in many ways… The meal, for sure, and also the experiences, the number of people, the laughter, the good feeling shared, etc.

I do, however, know about progressive erranding. And today was a fine example of this. It began with getting the car inspected—a fairly ordinary sort of task. But the people watching! There was a whole novel in there—including the fellow who came in proclaiming with assurance that he had a leaky strut. I also left with a better working knowledge of the different ways front and back brakes work after listening to an explanation given over the phone.

I came home, did a set of work related tasks, took care of correspondence, got the month end finance stuff done, etc. The sun had come out! Time for another errand! I set out walking with an aim—to exchange a cable box that had died—straightforward enough. To get to the place where this can happen, I chose the path that went through the Public Gardens. Ohhhh! The electric salmon coloured azalea is blooming! That was worth several photos. Which got me curious about the ruby horse chestnut —also in fresh splendor. Hm, I could just loop around and still end up by the gate if I went to the left and checked in on the English acorn and the massive purple rhododendrons… Okay, now I just cross the street and there’s the cable place—deed done. Except, the cable place is right beside the bookstore, which is full of fabulous people with whom I also work and who are always fun to visit and good for the spirit. True to form, there was laughter, bookish talk, and uplift-ment.

When coming up to the front door, I opted for the ramp rather than the stairs because it bends right beside two of the most spectacular rhododendrons. Both of them have the full range of budding in progress and it is an absolute marvel to behold. And, it had just rained—deep pink and fuchsia petals blinging their glory through the prismatic effect of water droplets caught on a petal’s edge or pooled in the centre.

Back once more, I again took care of inside matters…all the while thinking about the gift of progressive erranding that in fact took me from point A to my destinations…in the most rich if roundabout way.

Now at the day’s end, I am at the table in the kitchen writing about the ‘cumulations’ of my day…tasks accomplished, new learnings, beauty beheld, friendship offered, wonders appreciated…and can’t help but think ‘What a feast of a day…Thanks be to God.’