By |

Christmas came today —

a slew of boxes

*

packaged in swirls

of brown-paper ribbons

*

to cushion uneven, bumpy roads

a trove of poetry

*

joyful new images,

all mine for the taking

By |

Photo by Mauro Lima on Unsplash

You smoke the chops.

I nuke the broccoli

set the patio table

thankful for the gray-cloud respite,

tardy break from late-summer heat.

*

You make a face

when I sip my merlot

after rescuing a wayward fly

from the brink of napa’s plump tannins,

its claret-smooth glide.

*

We plot vacation options

ponder post-retirement timelines

laugh as puppy patrols

the perimeter path

along our black wrought iron fence.

*

You close up shop,

turn off the propane.

We debate the story arc

of Mindhunter on Netflix

we’re eager to resume.

*

We call for Coco,

I crank down the umbrella.

Dusk at this hour, still several weeks away.

You grab the peppermill.

Tummies full, we head back inside.

By |

wisps of cabin woodsmoke

ivy vines encircle hollowed gourds

thick towering velvetleaf stalks

shadow zinnia buds,

pink and yellow and TBD

By |

Having just watched Spain totally dominate Argentina, I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my very first World Cup experience.

I now understand (a few) of the rules and how the game is played, much more so than I did just one month ago!

I’ve been blown away by the fans, the pageantry, the passion, the colors, the music, the outfits and costuming, the moves and the fierce traditions of all these massively engaged soccer devotees and the athleticism of the players they love. The whole thing has been quite a ride, and I am so glad I decided to give it a go.

My husband and I both enjoyed watching and now I ‘get’ why the World Cup is such a beloved sporting event worldwide. Hopefully, the limited knowledge I’ve attained watching the 2026 World Cup will not escape me when the crazy chaos returns four years from now!

By |

I’m grateful

for a dip in the dew point

*

noshing on a handful of cashews

a Greek yogurt chaser, yummy key lime

*

my summer sustenance,

some midmorning refreshment

*

we’re watching the Open

and, later, the World Cup Final

*

a lazy-perfect way

to enjoy another warm day in July