Unexpected pleasures.  Little joys.  Small moments in time.  This is what a day consists of… if you are paying attention. 

I wander around the campsite and pick up sticks.  This is a necessary scavenger hunt to start the fire that will yield me coffee.  Carefully, placed sticks and some dryer lint start the morning fire.  The crackling of the first few twigs has a promise of its own.  It always brings a feeling of satisfaction and anticipation.  Slowly, I feed the fires larger sticks until it is ready for a log.  Campfire coffee is a ritual.   Some time ago, I rescued an old five tier lunch pail from an antique  store.  It is my campfire companion.  Each layer holds a treasure trove of tools.  Matches, dryer lint, firestarter bricks, fatwood….   Each fire is unique and I am prepared.  A fire and a bubbling coffee pot…small victory.  The first taste of coffee brewed over the fire…heaven.

Biscuits and Bacon. Can there be anything more wonderful?  Homemade jam running down my fingers.  Buttery goodness and crispy delight.  Linger.  Savor the morning …..and when the time is right we grab the bicycles for a mid-morning trek up the hike/bike trail to Kearney.  Unexpected pleasure comes from sighting a bunny in the grass.  A fawn wanders onto the trail unconcerned.  Wild turkeys call from the tree line.  A skunk, thankfully smelled but never seen.  I imagine the sandhill cranes, now on their northern migration, wading in the cool waters of the Platte.  Five miles of peace.

By afternoon, the work of tourism must begin.  Fort Kearney is in ruins, but we walk the grounds to get a sense of army life.  The Great Archway over I-80 has an interactive museum that begs to be conquered. A quick stop to use a gift card brings elation.  New tools for my fire kit!  A cooking rack for the fire!  A tool to push the burning logs!  It is Christmas in June… small pleasures.

A simple meal. Grilled pork chops, watermelon, salad.  Happiness.  Summer on a plate. I could sit here and be quite content, but one more surprise awaits.  A chance walk through the park, revealed a community gathering.  $5 to see an outdoor musical.  A small price to pay for smiles and toe tapping.  The night air is cool.  The snow cone in my hand is cooler still.  My love by my side and music in the heart. Unexpected pleasures…little joys….small moments in time.