One of the many bridges I cross on my morning power walks always provides the temptation to stop for a few moments, to listen and watch for wildlife, and to quietly reminisce.

Yesterday morning was hot, and as I looked towards the bend of the river, I was reminded of reading “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” during one hot summer many, many years ago. When I arrived back home, I downloaded the classic to my e-reader for a spot on this summer’s reading list.

In retirement, in addition to reading new books, I’m also re–reading books I read in my youth and early adulthood. Because I read them so long ago, it’s like reading these old favourites for the first time. I’m looking forward to this summer, when I’ll once more be rafting down the Mississippi with Huck and Jim.

“It would ’a’ been a miserable business to have any unfriendliness on the raft; for what you want, above all things, on a raft, is for everybody to be satisfied, and feel right and kind towards the others.”

Mark Twain – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn