August 8, 2018
August is the month for phlox, and the memories they evoke of lazy childhood afternoons, reading on my grandmother’s front-porch swing, surrounded by their delicate fragrance. I remember rediscovering phlox a few years ago, by smell not sight, when I wandered into a mass of pink ones planted by a barn. The color was wrong, but the scent grabbed me, and since then I have always had them in my garden, planted near a window, a touchstone of simple innocent joy remembered.
August 7, 2018
When the heat of the day is past, I like to go out to sit in my backyard, with a book or a drink or sometimes nothing at all. Just to feel the hint of a welcome breeze, hear the birds calling the end of the day, and remember how grateful I am that I can be here, doing nothing in particular, just savoring these peaceful moments.
August 6, 2018
My street has turned into a bunny haven. I hear passing children squeal with delight when they see them hopping about on our front lawns. Mine seems to like to munch my overgrown grass in the early evening. And since I have failed to make time to plant a garden this year– missing those fresh tomatoes right now– I can enjoy their furry presence without bemoaning their garden-destroying propensity.
August 4, 2018
It’s the day for the Newport Jazz Festival and, unfortunately for us, the forecast is 100% rain with small craft wind advisories. Set outdoors in a beautiful oceanfront location, the morning-to-evening festival can scorch you in the sun or drench you in the downpour, but the music is always worth it. We do have flex tickets, so we could go tomorrow, but we have our hearts set on today’s line-up, so we head out armed with rain gear and snacks. We are lucky as we manage to arrive and get to one of the smaller tented venues before the storm hits, and our first 3 choices– from the 4 locations– happen under cover. It’s interesting to see the performers play to the weather as the thunderstorms wax and wane with varying intensities. But we do need to go outside to the main stage for the last 2 acts– Herbie Mann, killing it at 80, and Laurie Anderson playing with bass and cello. The situation is not too terrible with rain jackets and umbrellas, and the music is stellar. A bit of sun peeks through as we pack up to go, and the next downpour holds off until we are in the car driving home. A great day of music despite adversity, and we are glad to have gone for it.
August 3, 2018
Happy birthday to my friend B! We celebrate with a delicious seafood dinner and some cheery seaside revelry. It’s good to have friends with whom to mark the passage of time.
