Year 42, Midsummer
There are two ways from the north tool house to the lower terraces. The direct path takes about twelve minutes. The path around Apricot Hill takes closer to half an hour. I look after both of them, so I use whichever one needs checking.
Yesterday I went around the hill because two bridge boards stay damp after rain. They were fine. Davi was at the spring, though, with three clay cups. He wanted walkers to taste the water before and after it passed through the new gravel bed. I stayed longer than I meant to and agreed that the second cup tasted cleaner. I could not tell much difference between the second and third, but Davi could.
Then I met some children measuring the hill's shadow. They needed someone to hold the end of the cord. By the time I reached the terraces, the tool I had gone to collect was already being carried back by someone who took the direct path.
That happens on the long route. There are roots to check, a narrow corner where carts wait, and usually somebody with a question. I do not take it when people are waiting for me. When the work has a little room in it, I go past Apricot Hill.
I usually arrive later than I planned. I am usually glad I went that way. I thank Jehovah for days that have room for both the work and the people along the path.