Where are you, Lord Fletcher?

A visit to the Arboretum is usually followed by lunch at Lord Fletcher's. Since I'm always so geographically challenged, the GPS would normally be a necessity, but Bob was confident that he knew the route from the arboretum to the restaurant.

We drove through much of the countryside around Lake Minnetonka, enjoying the late summer colors and the feel of the road in the Corvette. Somehow, we turned instead of staying on County Road 19, and were soon way out of our way. North Arm ... Maple Plain ... Highway 12 .. Wayzata. Fortunately, we weren't all that hungry, and we did laugh about our predicament. Lots of traffic on 394 and 94.

We decided to have lunch at the Longfellow Grill, by which time we were tired and hungry. It must have showed, because the server asked us if we wanted water, along with our beers -- an unusual order for us in the middle of the day but very much needed. We shared a turkey sandwich and were much revived for the rest of the day.

Perfect Summer Day at the Arboretum

Black-eyed susans

I'd been looking forward to a visit to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for several months but something always got in the way ... until today. A perfect Minnesota morning beckoned, and we headed out Highway 5 to the Arboretum, confident that the sun would enhance photos without excessive heat.

I was shocked to set up my Canon Rebel and realize that I had left the image card in my laptop. I usually have my trusty little Panosonic with me, along with an extra card, but this morning I'd decided to be economical and take on the Canon. I felt the anxiety rise in my chest, tears welling in my eyes. I sadly put away my camera and almost failed to appreciate the extraordinary beauty of this late summer morning.

The shadows were cool as we drove along 3-Mile Drive, and I tried to compose myself. I almost missed the colors in the dahlia garden, where the blooms were at their peak rather than way past prime, as they were last year and the year before when we visited the Arboretum. Finally, I resigned myself to simply enjoying the moment.

One of many varieties of lilies

The serenity of the place washed over me. I listened to the birds and the waterfalls ... and the hum of the air conditioning. Workers trimmed plants and pulled weeds. A docent nabbed Bob and lectured him on the Annuals Garden, stunningly bright and beautiful under the noon sun. I felt something akin to peace.

I did take a few iPhone pictures, and realized that my skills need polishing. I was surprised to find myself rationing my shots, something I haven't done for many years. We left the grounds feeling refreshed and renewed.