Jeff—Saturday
For the first time in thirty-five plus years it’s looking less and less likely that I’ll make it to Greece this year. I’m not at all happy about that, because Mykonos is the place I consider home, and so many there I regard as family.
But my family—on both sides of the Ocean—have counseled me not to make the journey. I pray for them that I shall regret my decision, and 2020 will be a glorious summer like none Mykonos—and all of Greece—has seen in many wonderful years.
Still, there are so many comparisons and contrasts to make between what’s available on Mykonos, and in Northwest New Jersey that I don’t know where to start. On Mykonos I have the Aegean Sea. Here on the farm there’s the pond.
I think we can stop the comparison bit right there.
I’m not complaining, mind you, I’m blessed with a wonderful place to live in America, and it’s glorious to be here when Spring turns green, after a long and unbalanced winter. Besides, Barbara and I get to share our nuptial year together in blissful quarantine. What could possibly be better than that?
Please don’t ask Barbara that question, as she’ll undoubtedly have some witty retort to offer at my expense. :)
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| Not wedding presents. |
Nevertheless, here’s a brief glimpse of where we’ll be hanging out for likely the rest of 2020, and only God knows how much beyond. The great photos were taken by Mrs. Siger; the others by moi.
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| Our portal to the world. |
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| Can you make out the rock in the foreground of the Great Blue Heron? |
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| It's actually a turtle |
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| And these are turtle totter treats. |
Now on to a few “can you see these hidden images?”
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| An evil dragon |
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| An evil eye |
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| An evil bird |
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| The End |
Stay safe, y’all.
By the way, here’s a look I first picked up at the farm twenty-five years ago. Should I go for it again?
—Jeff
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Great fun, Jeff! I love the comparison, although, hey! that's a really nice pond - complete with turtle.
ReplyDeleteIf you manage the 25 years ago look, let us all know how!
My seven-year-old granddaughter has already given her opinion on the beard: "You look like a stranger." Barbara is being more diplomatic. She just calls me "Sir."
DeleteYou look like a sexy beast! However, you may be hiding some of your charm if you try it now. I knew a very handsome man who had a very small beard. When he shaved it, I did not recognize him; seriously did not know who this friend of mine was. When I asked his wife how she liked it, she said, "I love it! THIS is the man I married!" I can understand Barbara's reluctance.
ReplyDeleteWay back before we married,Joe-the-Husband showed up with a full beard he had grown at college. One of my coworkers started calling him "rabbi", and I have to admit,it fit.(His great-grandfather's genes came through, and the Baptist fellow had heard that Joe had been in the seminary, so he mixed it up).Anyway, it stuck."When are you going to marry that rabbi? That rabbi's a fine young man." It took us years and states later, but it's been 37 years. Now, go order plenty of warm clothes and enjoy the beauty of the farm this year!
I'm tempted to say Mazel Tov on your 37 years together.:) On the beard, I'll see how it works out a quarter of a century later. After all, it's only Barbara and me, and when she's a kindly soul--who I dare not test.:) As for the sexy beast part, well, let's just let that slide. :)
DeleteThen too, when I shaved off that beard--shortly after that photo was taken--I didn't even recognize myself!
We share in your disappointment. But whatever home happens to be at the moment enjoy. I saw the evil eye right away, it's a sign to write about finding a body in that pond.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad idea, Kevin, at least for a short story. Caro has the Loch Ness Monster and we have the evil dragon who haunts above the pond! And "Friday the Thirteenth" was filmed in the woods behind my farm........
DeleteMyself, I'd be perfectly happy in that little corner of heaven. At least, through the spring and summer. I'm not a big fan of the Chilly Winter.
ReplyDeleteThe winter this year wasn't all that bad, but yes, it's not like your neck of the woods... but the Spring and early Summer...I've actually been away from them for so long I'd forgotten what I was missing.
DeleteOh, Bro, how I envy you your access to the gorgeousness out of doors. What a luxury for you. For La Zilly, I imagine, it is one of life's essentials. We do have this in common, though. Our entryway has become quarantine space for groceries that arrived less than three days ago!
ReplyDeleteIf only it were the groceries. When ever I wander off the reservation it's either three days on the porch or a Lysol bath. Kinky as I am I'll let you decide on my general choice, Sis.:)
ReplyDeleteI do like a beard on a man. Of course I wouldn't recognize my spouse if he shaved his off. I've never seen him without it. p.s. you do have a glorious place to shelter and a glorious companion with whom to shelter.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donis. I always knew there was a reason I loved you beyond your extraordinary writing. Now, if only my glorious companion could be convinced to stop trailing me with those sheep shears in hand.
Deletep.p.s. It's too hot to leave groceries on the porch here in the Phoenix area, unless we like our food precooked before we bring it inside.
ReplyDeleteEgg frying on the hood of the car season will be here come August.
DeleteYour home is beautiful! I say you are taking the right approach to remember what you have forgotten? Maybe things will ease up soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI know you miss Greece.
Thanks, Carol. Yes, we sometimes forget what we have. Hmm, sounds like a promo to re-read "The Alchemist."
DeleteHubby has worn a goatee for most of our marriage. I told him he could shave it as long as it grows back before we go out in public! I think he's afraid it might not :). You look wonderful (if also, a bit rabbinical) with yours!
ReplyDeleteNot too shabby. I would not complain having that beautiful pond and those woods to look at every day. There's concrete and red brick out of my windows and a 7-story penthouse for one guy blocking my sky and sun view.
ReplyDeleteSo enjoy your environment, read a lot and write in between strolls. Enjoy nature. That is one thing that darned virus can't rob from us, even if we have cabin fever.