Down, But Not Out

The first two plum blossoms have appeared on the most sheltered of our plum trees, the golden eagle that works out urban greenbelt now has a companion, the computer is in pieces on the office floor, my candidate gave up his campaign the day after I sent him a contribution, and I have been sick for nearly two weeks. Nothing major--just a flu-ish cold and deep, wracking cough that won't quit. I'm well enough to drag myself to work, but that's about all I can manage. Yesterday's trip to the farmer's market was followed by two naps and lights out at ten o'clock.

But, I can't complain. My friend Richard is just coming off a chemo and radiation regime that went on for weeks. Even tea is more than he can digest. He's a confirmed foodie, so there is little that could be more punishing for him. He's usually such a stoic and upbeat soul,this long-ago-transplanted Michigander, it's hard to see his e-mail end with, "I just want this to be over". Even as recently as mid-December, he was chipper and bearing up better than most people would even dream of doing. What do you do for a foodie who can't eat?

But, as is always the case with life, even as I fret for one friend, I rejoice for another. My dear friend Deborah, and Bob's Pittsfield buddy, Don, just announced their engagement. They've been living together for the last eighteen months. It's been a difficult transition for a woman whose last house mate--me--moved out in 1982 and a man whose third wife left him ten years ago. But, they've weathered all the adjustments, all the dislocations, and all the unexpected bumps involved in meshing two independent lives.We're looking forward to the wedding.

The computer will be fixed soon; if it isn't, we'll buy a new one. My health will improve and the apples will follow the plum into flower. Sooner rather than later, I'll make up my mind between Hilary and Barack, and Goddess willing, Richard will soon be eating well. For now, it's enough to find enough energy to walk to and from the mailbox in the soft spring sunshine.