I've been away for a long time -






This is a beautiful rose called Red Eden, because

its lush form recalls the original pink Eden rose,

which grows along my house's wall.

I haven't posted since mid-June, when I was in an extremely happy frame of mind.  I have, fortunately enough, been extremely happy several times since then, although I haven't taken the time to post.  Just recently I met two newish friends for a bite and then an evening of G and S music, which was so delightful I just floated home.  The three of us got on so well, and proposals were made for several more meetings this summer, so I also felt grateful and excited about new friendships, as well as about old friendships renewed.

Work drags on at my house, with the contractor disappearing for days on end, sending texts that he will be there the next day and then not showing up.  It is very wearying.  I believe he is a basically honest guy who is in over his head, makes promises without thinking them through, and then through embarrassment or whatever, avoids me until he gets the courage to come back again for a day or two.

My garden, despite the depredations of Frick and Frack, the two semi-idiot workers the contractor sends,  has for the most part survived their stupefying carelessness,  rallying with lovely rebloom.  The miraculous beauty of roses and other flowers always reminds me of all the beauty that exists in the world, and I am overcome with a sense of wellbeing and gratitude that blots everything else out.  I feel uplifted and surrounded by hope and possibility.  Frankly, it amazes me how it never fails. 

Year after year, my pink Heritage rose blooms, and year after year, I am moved to tears by its beauty.  I never tire of it, I never become accustomed to it; it always strikes me as a miraculous gift from above, and it always fortifies me.  I am thankful for this; becoming innured to the beauty that surrounds us would be a terrible fate.  So although there are many, many things about myself that I

Above left, a pale daylily with lemon-lime

throat, and right, rebloom on my beloved

though invasive wisteria.

wish were different, many things I  wish G-d could have done differently, this one thing is a source of constant happiness and appreciation.  It isn't restricted to the obvious, like flowers.  A metal door with peeling paint can fascinate me; a light green car parked next to a turquoise car can stop me in my tracks.  Visual pleasures are everywhere if one just opens ones eyes and lets go of preconceptions.  Well, to bed.  Another day of life's mixed pleasures lies ahead;  a good night's sleep, with some intriguing dreams (I hope!) will help me make the most of it.