I'm thinking of Dickens, writing about peaceful London and violent Paris at the end of the 18th century. At several moments this weekend these words kept circling around in my head -- it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Dickens did a deep dive straight into the paradoxes of the human condition -- the hope and despair, the wisdom and foolishness. My weekend could have served as an example for him: all in one place, in one set of days, the calm and joyful, the worried and agitated. The best of times, the worst of times.
My friends' visit is fabulous. You cannot help but love a day of meals together, of hikes, Millie romps, tree plantings. And yet, weaving its way through the day is this ongoing drama with my ill friend. Sometimes it spikes, sometimes it runs parallel to a joyful moment, sometimes, but not often, I can put it aside. Happy as a clam, unhappy as a clam at low tide. Both at the same time. One doesn't displace the other.
It's remarkable how adaptable and resilient we can be.
So, about those happy times:
Breakfast, of course.
And then a drive to Prairie Morraine dog park. Yes, with my dog. Of course with my dog. I've not taken Millie there before. She barely manages not to freak out at my local dog park. So many unfamiliar scents! People! Dogs! But yesterday, she managed the nearby park well and so today the three of us -- my reunited law school friends along with me -- drove out with Millie to Prairie Morraine. The park that Henry loved so much. Let's give Millie a chance to fall in love with it as well.
And she does. My pup is cautious, but also cautiously happy. I am gratified to see her not shy away from dogs, nor their owners. For the first time in my life, I am at this wonderful gorgeous park...
... with a dog that just wants to be friends with everyone. Cautiously, but with love and affection for the world and its inhabitants.
The walk is lovely, the weather is perfect. The prairie flowers -- black eyed susan, evening primrose, bee blossom -- in full bloom.
After a good spin around this huge park, we drive to K&A Greenhouse. Barbara had the idea that I should put in a tree that would provide some shade in the Millie yard My furry pup is always on the lookout for shade.. Maybe a river birch? We drive out to look at all the discounted now trees at the nursery.
The birches are tall and threatening to grow to heights and widths that would overwhelm the space. Moreover, I am warned to be on the look out for birch leaf miner. And provide preventive treatment every couple of years, or else. That felt burdensome. I back away from a birch. How about a redbud? Dont like the leaves that are big and unattractive after the flowers disappear. A maple maybe? No! We have huge maples at the farmette! Talk about overwhelming!
I have just the thing -- says the nursery person. You know that when they say "I have just the thing" you should be wary of the suggestion. And yet, I think he pointed us to the perfect tree -- a Korean Japanese maple called Jack Frost.
Such dainty leaves, promising great color come fall! And a reasonable height. Perfection itself.
And now we can come home for lunch. And more discussions about hugely important subjects, so important that I can't at the moment remember any of them,
Evening. Time to take Diane to the airport. She's due to travel to her own younger family. It's just Barbara and me for dinner tonight. (Pasta, salad...)
Oh and Millie. Until tomorow at least, I have Barbara. And Millie.
with so much love...
