HomeApril 15, 1997
The trees all have little pink buds. Everywhere I went today, buds, buds, buds. When I was in college, the classroom where advanced French met overlooked a double row of katsura trees lining the main driveway. Apparently they were a gift from some Japanese benefactor. I don't remember the story. Anyway, in spring they budded dramatically. We'd have the window open to let in the soft air and Sister Rosenda Gill (French professor and former childhood neighbor) would say "Le printemps n'est pas vert, c'est rose." She was quoting someone, but I can't remember whom. Whoever it was, he/she was right. Spring is indeed pink. Summer is green. Spring is pink.
I'm listening to the Red Sox on the radio, kids are playing street hockey in the parking lot, mourning doves are courting each other, crows are cawing up a storm, and the trees look like a mad watercolorist just splashed the palest pink across their tops. The late afternoon/early evening sun's pale gold highlights and the soft blue sky complete the impression of a watercolor painting. I don't think you can have street hockey in a watercolor painting but there it is. The goalie is wearing body armor that looks more like a dirt bike racer outfit than a chest protector and pads. It's this hard white plastic thing complete with a really odd looking mask ... Troy O'Leary just hit a home run over the left field wall to put the Sox in the lead ... cheering is coming from the radio... anyway the goalie in this street hockey game looks like a cross between a Power Ranger and a knight in shining armor. I've never seen a goalie mask like his.
I kind of wish they'd finish the game so I can get my car out to mail my tax payments. The taxes have been done for a long time but I waited until today to part with my money. Can you say capital gains boys and girls? I knew you could.
Spring is baseball, taxes, fishing licenses, buds, birds, snow. Snow? Joan-east insists it is going to snow this weekend. She told me that last night when we were out walking and she brought it up again at Rita's house this afternoon. She says that Friday we're going to have "more than just rain". Of course, if it's Friday it's freezing rain - the first law of Aunt Janet driving to pinano...
Today's sky was flawless blue. Today's temperature was on the cool side but not uncomfortable. Today's activities: therapy, walk with Rita, lunch with Rita and Joan, taxpaying, listening to baseball.
Another sign of spring is that Wilbur wants desperately to go outside. He's an indoor cat who doesn't seem to mind his lot in winter, but spring calls out to him. I just know he'd end up living on the streets again if I let him out though. I think the wild life raiding dumpsters on the campus of the holy people college is still quite alluring to him. Hey, I want to be outside in the spring too - if only I could get my car past those kids playing street hockey.