Digressions by D’reen

What a fine day to write a column! We have lovely sunshine, warm enough to sit outside and revel in the splendours of the September garden. We have magnificent and long-lasting Iron Weed, some late phlox, a large bush of Maryland Asters, and the tiny white flowers of the Sweet Autumn Clematis are covering the entire fence. It’s very hard to believe that winter is on its way.

It’s great when summer lingers like this. But we have also had some of the chaos that makes the senior years seem designed to frustrate. To precis: Driver’s license suspension, auto insurance difficulties, papers from Oct 18th 2024 (!) not received, phone calls to MOT, papers to doctors’…and still waiting for hoped-for resolution.  It’s hard not to feel victimized, especially after LONG phone call waits, but it’s also a lesson in patience and positivity. Taken.  

Well…then there was the wasp bite that caused a week-long balloon-like face…but that’s gone too. And minor surgery is not until next week , so this week is a gift and a chance to make and freeze MORE delicious roasted tomato/basil soup. The tomatoes have been splendid this year, and the neighbours are helping to use the abundance of herbs which enhance our evening meals. In short, life is good. 

And when you think about our neighbours to the south, one has reason to feel enormous gratitude and try to summon compassion. The media makes it difficult indeed. It’s hard to remember that at least half of the Americans did NOT vote for their present chaos and pray that their wisdom will eventually prevail.   

And so, I wish you the joy of experiencing this beautiful fall weather, with the colours still to come! Blessings…D’reen