Close To Perfection

I was surprised today by a blooming Iris. As surprises go, this one is so welcome. They don't bloom every year so that makes it all the more appreciated.

Jessie and Vergil came over today and we were going to go on a boat ride but then something came up with the steering on that boat and so forget that and then Mr. Moon and Vergil started on another project which took most of the afternoon. Jessie and I hung out with the kids and August and I read a book that had a beanbag game in it so I got out the sewing machine and some beans and we made two purple and two yellow beanbags and then I told him I'd make a pillow for him which led to Jessie and Levon and August and I piling into their truck and heading down the road to find some red clover to pick and put in the pillow. I used to make little red clover pillows for Hank and May and I had a yen to do that for August. We found some clover to pick and then we drove home and on the way we stopped by a little house where I used to live which had been for sale for a long time. I had loved that house and it was falling into dust but someone has bought it and it looks loved now as does the yard. That pulled some memories from their place in my heart of a time so long ago and so painful in some ways, so wonderful in others.

I stuffed August's pillow not only with the red clover but also with some rose petals and regular old stuffing. The clover smells like fresh-cut grass and I hope it makes my grandboy's dreams sweet as they can be.

The pillow is now on his bed where he's going to sleep tonight in Mer and Bop's room. We want him to be here tomorrow morning early when the guys come to take down the tree. He was a pretty patient boy this afternoon, waiting for his parents and brother to leave so that he could have his grandfather all to himself. He asked me a little while ago if I would please put my shoes on and go out and tell Boppy that it was time for some movie time. 

Time for movie time. 

Indeed. 

And now it is. Mama and Daddy and Brother have all gone home and August is as happy as he can be. 

So is his grandfather. 

And the grandmother is pretty happy too. We're going to have some leftover black beans and maybe some macaroni and cheese and a little roasted broccoli to bring the green to us. Last night I picked and washed and chopped a good amount of various greens and sauteed them with garlic and a slice of bacon and some olive oil. I sprinkled them with vinegar and each of us got a bowl of heaven to go with the ambrosia which was the black bean soup with pickled red onions. The bread was good too. 

I'm glad I'm a decent cook because I sure do like to eat. 

Here's Levon. 

My merry little man with his new haircut.

And here's my blooming buck-eye. It has grown so much taller this year. 

There have been two pairs of swallow tailed kites flying high above the trees today, heralding their return with their piercing whistle cry. It feels like a blessing upon us. 

Whole lot of sweetness going on, each day a celebration of some blossom opening, some bird returning, some new variation on perfect blue days, babies growing, their love wrapping itself even more firmly around our hearts. 

Not going to complain tonight. Not one bit. 

Love...Ms. Moon