esprit de l'escalier

90

Sunday my family celebrated my Grandpa's 90th birthday. He hasn't been in the best health lately, but he was there, celebrating with 70 family and friends. He did what he did at his 80th birthday, which is stand up and introduce everyone who was there. Of course this time around he needed his oxygen tank about 6 people in, but he did it. Here's to my Grandpa, in his golden hours of life.

The evening, from a park bench

Tonight I find myself with twenty minutes to myself, before meeting some friends for dinner. I sit on a bench in the park down the street from my childhood home, with a book and a wandering mind, enjoying the warmth of this late summer evening. From where I sit, I can see a group of girls do exercises with hand weights, lunging backwards, a couple toss a frisbee on the long lawn the park, and an older man walk his large black lab past my seat. I hear the metallic pop of a little boy practicing t-ball with his dad, a pair of girls gossip, and the distant sounds of pee-wee soccer practice.

The golden light gives way to longer shadows. I remember the time before the paths were paved, and a sense memory of riding my bike over the gravel rises in my mind. The pool, where I spent so many hours as a kid, looks the same and absurdly small. I remember the previous times I have sat in this spot, or near it, with friends, alone with a book, watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July. So many childhood memories are locked in this block, between the elementary school, the library, and the park. All those little moments that created who I am today.

Living the good life

Frank is currently taking on new students in his life lessons on taking it easy. Please inquire within.

Les animaux

While I was up in Michigan, Elaine took me to Alexander's, a wonderful farm market near her dad's house. They had a little petting zoo. We were all charmed by the goats, mini donkeys, and cow. (As well as the regal Great Dane we saw, who was with a little Chinese crested dog. Sadly I did not take their photos.)

One!

This weekend my darling godson Ben turned one. To celebrate, we had a special little ceremony, lead by his uncle who is a UU minister, and birthday party at his Campa's cottage on the lake. All three of his godparents were there, and we each read him something. I read him Mary Oliver's poem "This World." Ben had his first birthday cake and everyone had a fun time.

My weekend was full of parties for Ben, and me getting to know his extended family better. Lately I've been thinking about what "family" means. My family has always favored the most liberal definition of the word, ex-wives were present at Christmases, old family friends were always as good as blood family. I am honored to be part of someone's extended family and not need a legal document to prove it. Thank you friends.

Summer's ending

Summer's unofficial end is upon us. I know this sounds sacrilegious, but I am so ready for fall. This summer, which may be one of our hottest, was just too much for me. Steady 90+ degree heat since May has just wilted me, as it has our garden. (The shot above is from the end of July, after the wilt started to set in. It is much dryer now.) I can't wait for jacket and tights weather. Bring it on!

I'm off to Michigan this weekend to celebrate my godson's one year birthday! I'm excited for a long weekend in a new spot with some dear friends. I hope you all enjoy your holiday!