Return to life, apologies to Dickens

 Yesterday was like this

And here's today

Windows open, out early,  tending to seedlings. I've removed the crates now, so I needed to put squirrel deterrent in place.

The peppermint essential oil is not peppermint food flavoring. That won't work at all. It's therapeutic grade, expensive and worth it.

It doesn't hurt anyone. Squirrels and other small mammals just hate and avoid it. Birds are indifferent. So let's hope my newly peeping Italian basil survives, along with the others. If all else fails I can buy plants, but I do like adventures with seeds, too.

And yesterday, after an afternoon of warnings of severe thunderstorms and mayhem in the sky, a bit of rain, then this

Fading quickly, gone a minute after the second photo.

And here's why I often don't bother dressing salads

The beauty of a ripe tomato, glistening with juice and sunshine. Fresh greens, bit of cheese, wholewheat pita with it. To me, it doesn't need anything more.

Like walking. I abandoned listening to books or music on my walks years ago,  when I realized there was already so much to see and sniff and observe, without being distracted. There's plenty. 

Some days I have trouble remembering this when I read about other people's families and partners and travels, such rich and connected lives compared to mine. 

Then I remember that I'm only seeing from the outside, and don't know all their lives and their wishes and dreams. 

I know my neighbor sees my life as idyllic because I can make art and can live alone, two things he longs for. He doesn't see inside it. So I need to remember: I have plenty to enjoy.  Play on!