Then I look up from my PDA and out the window of my rail car and I realize it�s still sunny out and it�s about seven o�clock and the sky is clear blue. We�re past all the suburbs bye now, into the countryside where the fruit trees are blossoming. The peach groves are throwing bright pink blankets over the landscape like some bizarre quilt. The apricot trees are sprouting creamy white flowers. We zip past stands of evergreens separating the rows and rows of grapevines.

The scene looks like a photo negative with these strange temporary colours. The deciduous trees, Oak, Elm, Maple, still haven�t sprouted their leaves. The earth is tan in some places, black in others. The late afternoon light is casting long shadows and high contrasts on the buildings. Everything is bathed in ochre light.

The knots along my spine are beginning to loosen. My shoulders are starting to relax. The swirl on my forehead is beginning to disappear. I close the PDA. I lower my seat and lay back in it and I gaze at the scene scroll bye outside the window. I�ll be home with Luvofmylife in a half-hour. We�ll cuddle and I�ll fall asleep on her shoulder.

Arc