Strawberry Shortcake on the blue plates
It was a beautiful sunny morning as we pulled away from the coast towards Mt. Shasta at about midday. Six hours later we arrived, having stopped a few time along the way. My regret is that I was not able to stop and perhaps meet a reader who lives in a town between the coast and Mt. Shasta. I already knew our journey was going to be unpredictable; time of leaving, stops and last moment business to deal with which might hold us up.

And therein is my thought for this day. Which is: the difference between dealing with and responding to a situation. In a commentary to the Precepts there is the teaching to do nothing whatsoever in a hurry. That is such great advice. Because when in a hurry, one is in the mind of dealing with a situation - quickly. When not in a hurry one is more likely to respond in a thoughtful and rounded way. I'll remember that next time I am rushing along, as I was this morning, when just going along would be better.

One thing you can't rush is tea. Taking tea needs to be a thoughtful and full rounded occasion. And Jim and Nancy and I have certainly enjoyed our teas and time together. Thank you, thank you both so much.