Backyard Travel

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.

Dr. Seuss (a.k.a., Theodor Seuss Geisel), American children's author, illustrator, poet, animator, screenwriter, and filmmaker (1921–1990)

Multiple recipe books are stacked up beside my bed ensuring sweet (and savory) dreams. Looking to expand my horizons, I found "Dirt" on the website of a local bookseller. I got a wonderful surprise in their willingness to deliver the book to my door -- the same day. Amazon Prime can't beat that! 

So, while I may not be in Lyon physically this year, I am being transported there in my imagination courtesy of the humorous word pictures of Bill Buford.

Only a few pages into the book, this is already shaping up to be a fun journey!

Bending and Rebounding

The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

Aesop, Greek fabulist and storyteller (c. 620–564 B.C.)

Deep rumbles of thunder, skies so dark the house lights had to be turned on, and rain so heavy it seemed like a snowstorm: a thunderstorm rattled us out of summer indolence. I watched fascinated by nature's power. In the aftermath, a few of the garden plants look trampled but I have hope they will stand upright again, just like Aesop's little reed.

Quiet Morning

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet (1803–1882)
 

The loudest sound was that of bird wings flapping in the water of the bird bath and later of leaves rustling in the breeze. The cooler temperatures of mid-August require turning up my housecoat's collar as I take my morning coffee al fresco. 

It is a fresh start to a new day.

Rock On

Were it not for music, we might in these days say, the beautiful is dead.

Benjamin Disraeli, British politician and Prime Minister (1804–1881) in Lord George Bentinck. A Political Biography (1852)

Music and the garden – music in the garden – have carried me through these upturned times. As I wrote to a friend, "1 Negroni, 1 Beethoven, 2 Schuberts, a robin and a couple of sparrows and I am completely calm" after a stressful day at the Home Office. Throughout the summer I have relished a virtual feast of melodious sustenance. This evening I caught an on-line flamenco concert while contemplating the flourishing baskets of flaming geraniums and catching the sight and trills of a female cardinal high in a distant pine tree. Beauty lives on. Rock on. Olé!

Staycation | The Final Days

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age.

Lucille Ball, American actress, comedienne, model, studio executive and producer (1911–1989)

The final days of my staycation have been memorable with great food, great wine and great love.

With memories of connections with friends, a picnic lunch and a barbecued steak dinner, I can now return to work refreshed, content, . . . and a few pounds heavier. 

I couldn't be happier. :-)

Staycation | Day 10

To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.

Jane Austen, English novelist (1775–1817) in Mansfield Park (1814)

 

The afternoon brought perfect refreshment as a friend visited bringing an al fresco lunch. Happily gabbing through the hours, we shifted our chairs as the sun's path crossed the lawn. The birch tree's arbour bespeckled the lush carpet beneath our feet with lovely shadows and light. Pure relaxation!

Staycation | Day 9

Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.

Jane Austen, English novelist (1775–1817) in Emma (1815)

Cat and I enjoyed a quiet day, relaxing and letting out big, long, pleasurable yawns of contentment.