You'll Know It's True That You Are Blessed And Lucky

The scene near the Lake Harriet band shell on Sunday afternoon was so perfect it was almost absurd. The skies were blue. There was a slight breeze giving just a hint of brisk autumn air. In the playground, children romped joyously on the slides and swings under the watchful eye of their parents. On the grassy hill, people sat in their portable chairs or laid on blankets reading, eating, talking, and drinking, many with dogs by their side. A continuous stream of joggers, walkers, and bikers filed past on their path around the lake, some stopping for a snack, a drink, or just a pause. In the In the distance, the sun brilliantly shimmered off the deep blue waters of Lake Harriet as sailboats whisked by. From the band shell itself, sounds of classical music--occasionally interrupted by the clackety-clack of the old trolley shuffling past--filled the surroundings as the internationally renowned Minnesota Orchestra belted out a series of familiar favorites.

I told my wife afterward that if someone were shooting the scene as a commercial touting the quality of life in the Twin Cities, no one would have believed it was wasn't all being staged for that purpose. It was that perfect a picture. These are the days.