So, to return to my morning adventure . . .

Once I got through Middle Earth and braved the mystery of the world’s end, a few things happened. For one, the little canal that runs below my window widened until it became actually believable as a tributary of the mighty Thames (yes, my fellow Americans, that is pronounced Temmes).

My path continued along the water with woodsiness on my left, the river on my right, and beyond that, a wide and wild meadowland. Well . . . . maybe it looked exceptionally wide and wild covered in mist. But regardless, it was lovely.

And then, I stumble upon these guys:

Yes. This happened. And you’ve got to admit, it is a little bit pretty.

That’s a romantic* landscape painting waiting to happen.

And then, it actually got sweeter.

In the grass facing the river sat a quiet wooden bench with engraving on the top. I approached it and read that it was set…