A zombie makes preserves

[vaneramos]

We were to have a party at the Book Shelf for OOTS volunteers last night. My revelation about the Bible had galvanized my work on the novel, inspiring me to write. I went downtown an hour early, bought a pint of cider and worked in the Green Room until my friends arrived.

We hung out together for three hours. I'm especially fond of Denise and Mat, with whom I usually share the Tuesday evening shift, but I so enjoy this entire group. They are rapidly becoming important to me. I had another pint of cider and finger food on the party tab, then Mat bought me a half pint of Keith's.

The idea most on my mind this morning was the Holy Spirit. It will play an essential role in Pilgrim's Cross. This morning I researched avidly. When I used to study the Bible I had only my own collection of reference books. Now I can follow my whim along any path of curiosity. It's hard to believe this information network I have come to take for granted is younger than my children. From the Holy Spirit I skipped to St. Augustine, who I knew little about until today, to Montanism and Manichaeism, two early Christian cults I had never heard of.

After lunch I became convinced I had let the morning slip away, and sank into utter despair. Feeling horrid, I proceeded to let the next two hours slip away.

The refrigerator contained a four-quart basket of peaches demanding attention before I go away. I finally hauled my spineless body to the kitchen and proceeded to make peach chutney. Going through the motions.

Having finished that and seeing the afternoon was fine, I went back to the Arboretum to record some of the scenery that so enchanted me on Sunday. Fewer people were about.

A large sundial bears the inscription, "Horus non numero nisi serenas" (I only count the hours that are serene). Strolling around, my psyche fell back into alignment. I remembered what I had actually spent the morning doing. No more profound words came to me, but I wandered contentedly, familiarizing myself more with the light in the Manchurian cherry, and the statuesque trunks of the grey poplar.

After dinner I used the remnants of the peaches to make peachstone jelly.

Another image is posted in texture.