Yesterday I sat along this creek, Hat Creek, near Lassen National Park and I ate a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich on white bread. It was a great dinner – although perhaps not what the nutritionist would have recommended for me,

Some younger family members were walking up the creek to fish. I just felt like sitting next to it. I have hiked many streams in my day to fish, but lately I sort of just enjoy the company of the snow melt water and a simple sandwich.

I guess there are hunters and there are gatherers. I am quite happy gathering. This summer we have donated many pounds of tree ripened fruit to the neighborhood “Free the Food” produce stand and also given to friends and family and friends of family. Our own freezer is full of cherries, plums, apricots and berries that we’ve harvested and are just waiting for us to get into the jam-making mood.

Bridget’s flower bouquets have also brought many smiles to faces as she has gifted many bouquets. She has also gifted many of her pottery pieces as visitors love her mugs, plates and bowls. There is a simplicity to all of this that is quite attractive to me especially when compared to the all consuming consumerism of our daily lives. I was in Costco today observing as people filled up their carts while either ignoring their fellow shoppers or frustrated that they are in their way. The clerks robotically slid the food and goods across the checkout scanner with no enthusiasm for people or place. I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.

Sometimes all you really need is a good PB&J sandwich and a nice little mountain stream. In fact, it might not get any better than that.