Ode to Home Sweet Home

From Voler, Voguez, Voyager Louis Vuiton Exhibit, Grand Palais, Paris

Why is it every time I’m getting ready to leave town―even for more Europe by Train!―my home tugs me to stay? The weather is beautiful; the wisteria is in bloom,

the roses are providing yummy buds for the “dear” deer,

and the spring bulbs are popping.

My sweet Daisy looks at me with those big brown eyes

and Marco The Menace is adorable.

The two even seem to be reconciling (unless they’re plotting a coup while we’re gone). 

My former therapist called it separation anxiety. I hate to leave where I’m at, and then when I’m *there* I hate to come home. (My dirty little secret, why I struggle with being late.)

Jimmy Durante said it best in the 1942 black and white comedy, The Man Who Came to Dinner:

“Did you ever get the feeling that you wanted to go,

But still had the feeling that you wanted to stay,

You knew it was right, wasn’t wrong.

Still you knew you wouldn’t be very long.

Go or stay, stay or go,

Start to go again and change your mind again.

It’s hard to have the feeling that you wanted to go,

But still have the feeling that you wanted to stay.

Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, si, do.

I’ll go.

I’ll stay.” ― Jimmy Durante

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY-zmJ1VCQI

From Voler, Voguez, Voyager Louis Vuiton Exhibit, Grand Palais, Paris

The above Vuitton trunk holds a mattress for the intrepid explorer of yore whose effects were transported by bearer or mighty beast. As a more minimalist traveler, I must now confront my new 22" x 18" x 10" carryon.  

Next stop: Rome! 

A Valentine's Rose

The second half of January passed in a fog, the dreaded head cold, the struggle to make it through the day. But no one wants to hear that stuff, so I'll spare you. Except to say that somehow my befuddled brain could wrap itself around the words and images. Relieved to escape the world, I lost myself in the work.

In my mood the rain was nice and I begrudged the sun's return. A reminder that we are still in a drought and it's time to tear out the lawn. Did you know that roses are not as fussy as some people think? They can make it with a drink once a week if necessary.

So here is yesterday's (mostly David Austin) rose order, with some notes and colors. Fragrance was criteria #1, lush double blossoms, and constant blooms. Happy Valentine's Day.

1 St. Swithun, gal, now, creamy pink, shade

2 Golden Celebration, gal, now, yellow, fragrant, shade

1 Just Joey, band, now, tangerine, 4x3, no shade

1 The Endeavour, band, march, 3/23, salmon, no shade, thornless

1 Lady Emma Hamilton, band, march, 4x3, cut, tangerine, no shade

1 The Impressionist, gal, now 9x6, cut, gold/orange/rose, no shade

2 Jude the Obscure, gal, now, 4x4 cream, cut, no shade

1 Sceptre de l’Isle, gal, now, pink, fragrant

1 Queen Nefertiti, band, march, 3x3, yellow/apricot, no shade

1 Abraham Darby, band, march, 5, apricot/gold, shade

1 Rose de Rescht, 3x3, band, march, red, fragrant, shade,

1 Falstaff, band, march, 4x4, crimson/purple, no shade,

1 Prospero, band, red, march, 3x3

PS These are bare root, with band smaller than gallon. I'll post the first flower.