12 Oakdale

At the macro level, our dear leader has abducted a country’s president, bad guy that he is; ICE has murdered an American citizen; and war continues in Ukraine. Empathy is out of style. The golden rule has been abandoned. I write my representatives and despair. On the micro level, my life is good. That also makes me despair because life is so unfair. What to do? Because the weather has been delightful, I can spend time each morning painting, rather than having to be in the yard at o’dark hundred to avoid the heat. I have signed up with another online teacher and am completing her 30-day beginner boot camp, committing to painting every day for a month. I bought the large quill brush she recommended and am getting much better in creating large washes and shading. Already I can see vast improvement in my work. I am continuing with this year’s 100 Tiny Paintings with my original teacher. Another macro and micro. I am using a list making technique of “Must Do”, “Should Do”, and “Don’t You Da...

The dawn chorus of sandhill cranes clattering, competing with my bedmates’ snoring (Grant), purring (Annie), and chirping (Gracie), plus a couple of wrens and cardinals singing woke me on the last day of our second year here in Central Florida. It is still cool enough at night for us to keep the bedroom patio door open to let in the fresh air and the bird calls.  It’s also Mother’s Day, so Grant will be up soon to start the charcoal to bbq ribs, which Stephanie requested. She, Clara, and Kyle are coming for lunch, bringing ice cream and cake. Grant also made salt potatoes and his green beans. I did nothing other than putting the tablecloth on the lanai table. Perfect. (The picture was taken at Clara’s softball game. Even though Steph and I talked about taking pictures on Mother’s Day when we were all gussied up, we didn’t. Sigh.) Even though I miss my Fort Lauderdale family and friends, I think we are adjusting to this new area.We still haven’t joined a UU congregation, made any de...

Grant’s Diplomas and Awards  We arranged our diplomas and awards on the office walls. Grant contemplated his, with his Ph D from Cornell in the center, surrounded by other diplomas (high school, bachelors, masters), his Eagle Scout medal, the UF Palm Study award, and his UM Employee of the Year plaque, and said that wall summed up his life. He said it seemed like a lot of work for a few pieces of paper and some shiny bits of metal. I think that’s harsh. The wall shows his official life. What doesn’t show there is his being a husband, a father, now a grandfather, a member of his neighborhood and community. Equally as valuable but without certificates. My area has my Ga Tech diploma and my Phi Kappa Phi honor society recognition. I guess my Naples High School diploma was never framed. Too late now. I also hung the certificate for my National Geographic Society life-time membership that Steve gave to me in 1972. An extravagant gift I still appreciate. My father was also a life...