Visitor

This guy (above) came flying directly toward the window I face when I am at my computer, which is where I was when it flew, seemingly on a crash course for my window, yesterday afternoon. I was so glad to be here when he did it. At the last second, he veered up. I’ll bet there was a small bird in the Virginia Creeper growing on the wall.

I went outside to see if I could see it in the yard. I searched but couldn’t see it. Then, again while I was at the computer, he flew onto my fence, and that’s when I grabbed my camera and took the photo. It stayed for quite a while and then flew off, and when it flies its large wingspan makes it a magnificent sight—as is watching it turn its head.

Another wonderful thing about yesterday was walking the entire way with our friends and then, in the afternoon, the Elder Cedar trail later in the day. My foot hurts, and I can’t stretch my Achillies tendon, but I can walk in a way that is bearable that doesn’t affect my right hip. The best part: I don’t dread having to walk Her Highness.

I did not work at all yesterday. I read, I napped and I did little domestic chores. It was a wonderful day. There was, however, one disappointment: my speech is suddenly much more difficult. I must work hard to get things out with friends with whom I’m normally fluent. But there’s even good news here. I just don’t care anymore. My capacity changes frequently. I’m used to it.

I had two spas yesterday. I nearly always have one at around 6:00. And it was so lovely late in the afternoon, I had another lovely soak before dinner. Hot weather is coming. I’m soon going to be spending a lot of time with a hose in my hand. I now have two dozen clipped two-litre plastic pop containers. The flat end is cut off, and I screw on a spike that sticks into the ground. I fill the bottle with water, and it slowly drips out to feed individual plants.

I’m going to have a huge harvest of raspberries and apples. I’ll have only a modest crop of blueberries this year, and this season is the first fruiting of the Plum tree, so the crop is tiny. But it’s enough to delight.

Last night poor Ethel had her annual epileptic seizure. It’s exceptionally hard on her. She thrashes about and races into things. She is at the mercy of a devil, but she is fully recovered this morning and I’m spoiling her with love and affection.

It’s a beautiful morning! We’ll walk and I’ll water and this afternoon we’ll go to visit Stacy to look at photos of her new puppy—a Great Dane!