July 8, 2006
(Michael Smith / AP )
Overcast skies have kept this day in July cool and still. There is a waiting for some sort of front to shake the waters from the clouds with even the restless willow trees standing motionless. Our yard is dominated by the yellow flowers of midsummer – large sunflowers near the bird feeders, blackeyed susans, yellow cone flowers, partridge peas, and lilies. Now the large moths and butterflies are making their appearances, with the tiger swallowtail holding the position of most dramatic in size and color. We watch parent birds impatiently moving away from the fledges – from the frantic “Here you are, sweetie” shoving of food into the demanding beaks, there is now a sense of “Go away – it’s over, you’re on your own.”
We’re getting ready for a road trip to Colorado where we will meet with the children and grandchildren and have good times together for a few days. Each morning I am feeling incrementally better as the body deals with the last “brutal wash of noxious elixir”. (John-paul’s words) I have instructions, telephone numbers, and sacks full of medications. It makes me smile to think of the term “traveling light” when one carries an entire satchel dedicated to such things.