I’m feeling dejected today, but listening to President Barack Obama give the eulogy for Rep. John Lewis is slapping me in the face and getting me to stand up straight and keep moving forward.
We watched three seasons of Broadchurch in just a few weeks. Dark story lines but exceptional acting and production.
Planning a refresh of the Zuiker Chronicles and thinking I’d bring back the original logo, a nod to the family’s Ravens Roost campsite in WI), but seeing the woodpecker yesterday now I think it’s time for a new logo with that bird. Who can I hire to design?
After A Storm
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Once the afternoon thunderstorm passed over us, I walked out in the woods and encountered the dreaded princess tree.
Looked up from desk today to see a pileated woodpecker in silhouette pecking at silver elm. Later, on my run in woods, almost stepped on a rough green snake, and heard a pair of barred owls hooting at each other. Nuthatch desperate to escape the chicken coop.
Sitting on the back deck as evening comes. Talked with one of my brothers in Austin. Listening now to the cicadas and that young great horned owl squawking in the woods. Ginger plants next to me getting ready to bloom.
My dad’s been in the U.S. Virgin Islands since January, worried about hurricane season in the Caribbean and wanting to get back to his other home and office. But now Honolulu is about to get a hurricane. Hope the islands fare well.
Reading Our remote work future is going to suck and all these feelings and frustrations that have been building for the last four months are starting to make sense.
Stepped away from the desk, out into the warm day, checked the garden, picked tomatoes and lemon drop chile and basil. Heard a hawk call above and a woodpecker drumming on a dead treetrunk.
Family watching the end of The Greatest Showman, one of our favorite movies. Before I die, I want to be part of a Bollywood-style song and dance. Such joy in sound and movement.
Haven’t seen my mother since January so this morning we each drove 1.5 hours and met in Smithfield, NC, to sit in a Panera and talk over breakfast. Outside, we doffed our masks for a quick photo.
Department of Being Stupid: Needed a run, thought I could beat the rain, laced up the shoes and started down the gravel road, 100 yards and Bam! lightning strike way too close. Turned and high-tailed back to the house, heart thumping. More thunder and lights are flickering.
Home alone, and this house is quiet, still, calm. But this serenity won’t last long. The family drove east, and will soon be home with a golden retriever puppy.
Pleasant Evening with Birdsong
Sunday, July 12, 2020
I am enjoying the peace of the front patio and the birds in the tress above.
Sunday morning, buttermilk biscuits in the oven, sorting out our banking - bank-merger regulations means our accounts are to be transferred to a third bank - and soon to sit with another cup of coffee to watch Arsenal vs. Tottenham.
Two friends came over this morning to help me make a trail in the woods. We completed about 60 yards, chatted along the way, later grilled hot dogs and sat for lunch. It was nice to spend time outside with buddies.
Honey bee on the flowering allium.
Box turtle near the carport.
On our last day at the beach, we did our usual family jump photo. Had a great time at the Outer Banks.
Been an intense week preparing for tomorrow’s annual presentation by the chair of the Duke Department of Medicine. Taking a break to finish the last of the sour cherries, making a shrub and a compote.