Sunday images

[vaneramos]

I drove to spend the afternoon with marian_w and Brenna. Along most of the highway from Toronto, Lake Ontario lies visible to the south. I was surprised to see the water open. First thing in Port Hope, we drove down to the lake and hiked for a few minutes along the top of the bluff there. It's similar to the height of the one back home, but today the aspect was more severe: powerful waves crashed along a rock beach, churning up cauldrons each time they swept back. Boulders of ice bobbed on the breakers. The sun on fresh snow drifts was piercingly white. A flock of Canada geese, looking big and fierce a bull terriers, rested in the bare shelter of a slight bay. Distant clouds shed veils of light along the horizon, and dappled the surf purple, olive and coral-sea blue. Hopefully Marian will post photos, because I had forgotten my camera again.

I can see we will be frequenting a downtown diner called Dimitri's, a tired-looking place with Seventies paneled decor, but it serves good lunch food and garlic bread. The price is right for a drop-in on the way to or from wherever we go.

On the way to Whitby to see a movie, Marian mentioned she had heard about laughing clubs in India. People just gather, start laughing, and by the end it pours out naturally. We all thought this sounded like a great idea, and tried it in the car. It reminded me that we three have spent some great hysterical times together. I can hardly remember what about, although a few of those conversations have been recorded here over the years.

I drove home into the setting sun, a downward finger of fire emerging below a cloud. It was so bright that traffic had to slow to a crawl. Dusk settled as I neared Guelph. Another flock of geese rose on powerful wings against a lavender sky, pointing their necks toward some peaceful, watery alcove to spend the night. A new moon sliver appeared out of nowhere, a phantom following the sun to sleep. It reminded me how little time has passed since the full moon of February 20. My memory of Mom has not had time to circle the earth once.

It felt so good to come home to a peaceful apartment. I can leave the doors of my rooms open and wander around in underwear now without thought of anyone coming up the stairs. The good news is the landlord doesn't plan to rent the third floor anymore. He's going to tear it out to bare walls and leave it alone.

I suggested I might plant a garden beside the front door again, now that those people won't trample it or throw cigarette butts every time they go in and out. The landlord said I could also use the weedy border between fence and parking lot behind the store, if I like. Hidden as it is from the main street, I might try some tomatoes and other vegetables there.

For the first time in years, I want to stay where I'm living.

Comments

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Always glad to pass on a little beauty from the world I see. Thank you.

[twillhead.livejournal.com]

This is gorgeous prose. I echo Low Fat Muffin's comment -- thank you! Hugs to you.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Just recording what I saw. Glad you liked it! Hugs.

[missprune.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful feeling! Goodbye to that third floor and good riddance!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

No kidding. I'm sure you remember some of the things that have gone on around here. It's such a relief to have the place to myself.

[quirkstreet.livejournal.com]

I can easily imagine what a pleasure that apartment could be without the hassles of the upstairs. I'm glad you had such a full day with the girls and came home to such good feelings.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yes, there are many nice things about this place, and now I can afford to appreciate them!

It's important to draw the good feelings around myself these days, as often as I can. Thanks for you thoughts, Pete.