Digressions by D’reen

—by Doreen Uren Simmons

Hi Dear Readers: I thought I would write this on the third day of summer whilst I’m in a good mood. The windows and doors are open, the furnace is NOT on, and the dehumidifier is working valiantly. Next five-day forecast is down to low teens again. Sigh. What a crazy ‘spring’ it’s been, eh? Our backyard is in a very low-lying area and so it was flooded for many weeks. Consequently?  Well, I have just come back in from hobbling around the ‘garden’, looking for any sightings of last years’ beauties. Nope. Very discouraging. But we have planted the herbs and tomatoes in the raised bed, and I am looking forward to my favourite cooking season.

This past weekend we had a wonderful concert here in our home. Twenty people gathered to revel in a Lieder recital by my favourite Bass-Baritone. I first heard him in 1978 so he’s not young, just proof that age enhances! I managed to secure the services of ‘the hostess with the mostest’…maybe you know your editor? She greeted everyone, introduced them all to each other, coordinated the seating and food and drinks so that the atmosphere was joyous and celebratory. I am exhausted and very happy. 

There is more Big News! As of three weeks ago I am a Great-Gramma! A beautiful baby boy. He has already moved on from the sleep-eat-sleep stage to the sleep-awake-eat-sleep stage, and his parents are adapting splendidly to their ‘no-sleep’ existence. Funny… you DO have memories of this time of life , but everything has evolved so much. It’s fascinating to be a part of all this.

I wish you all a wonderful summer, whenever and wherever. Forget the past winter and live in the moment. It is to be cherished. Blessings…D’reen.

—photos by Laura Proctor