Days sans Petanque: Blood Sport

I enjoy and occasionally read The New Yorker cover to cover but the May 4 issue was so full of pandemic articles that that aside from the piece on Frank Ramsey I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I did however check out all the cartoons. In the Briefly Noted section at the end of the Ramsey piece was a bit of writing that hit home. From the review of Sebastian Barry's novel, A Thousand Moons: "Be wise, Winona tells herself. "Trouble always comes and no use wishing it didn't. Thing is, to get through it—and out the other side."



I mean what's the use in having stigmata if a saint can't enjoy a beer now and again? 

"They also serve who only stand and wait." Thank you Uncle Milty.

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First blossoms of the matilija poppy, trying to stand up to the first rains of summer or the last of spring. They are a good 7" in diameter on stems 5-6' high. Quite showy later in the season.

This weeks garden project: Carving out a bed and planting Shasta Daisys and installing wire arch and planting New Dawn and Sally Holmes climber roses. Can't wait for this Shelter-in-Place to end so Sheila will stop finding things for me to do. Speaking of which, I think it's about nap time.

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I don't feel old. I don't feel anything till noon. That's when it's time for my nap. —Bob Hope

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Quick. Unsubscribe before Sheila comes up with another project. Too late.