Some Days are Diamonds

Wednesday
30th October, 2008

Today is a diamond.

This morning, when I went outside to start Jim's truck for him, I was once again in awe of the night stars here in the South. They are brilliant specks of diamond dust tossed across a deepest of blue night sky in what seems like random order. But when I stop to gaze at them, I notice how their positions in the sky make a glittering patchwork of art. There has to be a Higher Power for something so magnificant, so beautiful to be at our visual enjoyment at the end and start of every day.

There has been some frost the last few mornings, but it warms up nicely during the day. This weekend is forecast for beautiful weather - the kind we dream of in the Northeast.

When I read the papers from back North, I see how difficult it must have been for Jim to truly understand how difficult it was for me all those winters alone on Happy Hill. It seems otherworldly since this moment, in this place, is so different.

Perhaps that is the problem with this world. We can not put ourselves in the shoes of someone else, whether it is in this country or one oceans away. We intellectually know what they are experiencing, and some of us have experienced it first hand, but once we are removed from that situation it becomes surreal, like a fairy tale.

The Up Side To Winter

Tuesday, 28th October, 2008

I was reading an article the other day about plants that flourish in the South during the winter. After 25 years in the Northeast I was accustomed to Winter being a time of grayness and bland landscapes. But, I have learned certain varieties of flowers actually love the Southern winters.

For example, the pansy. When I first planted pansies, I wasn't impressed with its delicate features. Without a green thumb, I thought I needed something a little hardier. Well, I soon was impressed with this tough little flower with its wide range of colors and flashy face markings, the pansies I planted continued to bloom all season long.

Seems that pansies love the South, and this time of year best, with the cooler nights and warm days as optimal conditions they thrive on.

So, pansies it will be in the oddball planters I brought down with me from the North and plan on placing at odd places alongside the driveway. .

A Day in the Life of E & E

24 October, 2008
Friday
Today I have spent trying to tidy up what will be my office, and also look for writing positions I can freelance at. It has been a quiet day here in Carriere, Mississippi, with a cold, wet feel to the air. I received a letter from Christine today - she is in Florida staying with her Dad. I think it is best for her as it is a new and fresh start.

We have yet had the opportunity to go for a bike ride since moving here - Jim is too tired in the afternoon and the weekends have been settling in tasks.

Moving to a new area after 25 years in one place has been an adventure. To me the most difficult thing has been the absence of friends close by. Not that I visited anyone very often, but a short ride would take me to familiar places where people knew me, have known me, like me. Here I am home all day, but it feels good to not have to go into work, especially after the nightmare of a job I had at The Recorder, no less than 50 hours a week.

More tomorrow.