Today was sunny and warm, and lots of people were outdoors. We went to church in the morning, where Faith walked up front to get a book in honor of her 2nd birthday. Elizabeth went to Farmer Gow’s and Benjamin to the Ferry sport center for birthday parties. Mama had the idea to go out for a picnic at 5:45 after picking up Benjamin. She put two steak pies in the oven at 5, and Dad went jogging. He ran through the Trap Grounds, up the bridge over the railroad, and across Port Meadow to the Walton Well parking lot, checking to see if we could park there. Then he ran back, stopping near the bridge to talk to Joshua G. and his 8-year-old daughter Esther.
When he returned to the house, everyone got in the car, with coats and a soccer ball. While Mama got Benjamin and the others stayed in the car, Dad went to the Co-op and bought groceries. Then we went to the Walton Well parking lot. Immediately Mama saw a lady she knew. Amelia and Liz went to find a picnic spot. The rest followed. We put out a blanket and the two steak pies. Dad poured lemonade for those who wanted it, and a Karlsberg lager for himself. He had bought a good ale, but we had no bottle opener. We sang a prayer, “For health and strength and daily food we praise your name O Lord”. Mama cut the two pies into quarters. We had plastic forks, but no plates, so we sat around the pies. We also had sesame rye crips. Everyone ate happily. Lizzie didn’t like the flavor of the lemonade, though. Then, for dessert we had clementine oranges and a raspberry sponge cake that Mama cut into pieces and handed around.
There were horses grazing in Port Meadow in the distance, and lots of people walking and jogging. One family had a yellow radio-controlled airplane. A young man and woman walked by with their soccer ball. Most of us had light jackets, but Amelia went back to the car for hers, and brought back tissues and the soccer ball too. She had brought her new Greek myths book, and was reading it. The kids started playing.
Then we saw Nina, Amelia’s friend, and the rest of her family, out for a long walk. We shared our rye crisp bread and played soccer with them. Nina didn’t want to leave when they had to. Dad joined Ben and Lizzie and Amelia. A patch of dirt was Lizzie and Dad’s goal. A patch of high grass was Ben and Amelia’s. Amelia played very aggressively, and Dad chased around with her. Ben and Lizzie cautiously stayed near the goals,but kicked the ball when they could. Ben was good at wipe-out saves. There were little nettles starting to grow, though, and his hand was stung. We had lots of fun. Mama and Faith and Lily finished Ben’s birthday cake from the party while the others played soccer.
Finally we had to go, because 7 was approaching. The Time Change (Spring Forward) had happened the night before, so it was surprisingly light, which was part of why people were in such good spirits.  I wish I could describe better what fun we had.
A little Madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King.