“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Do not become bitter or hostile. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. We will find a way to make a way out of no way.”
John Lewis, February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020
In Lewis’ memory, I spotted my first stargazer lily bloom this afternoon, after a hectic couple of days. Fantastic times but still exhausting.
Those who have read me for long know why I chose the title of this blog, which I hesitantly began in September of 2004. The first reason for the name is obvious–my gigantic stargazer lily in the front flower bed. There have been years when it barely bloomed and I wondered whether that was a sign to shut down the blog. Other times, like this year, it’s loaded with flowers. It’s one of the unsolvable mysteries that I just have to let go. I also am a huge fan of astronomy and entranced by actual stargazing, so when I was looking for a name for this site besides “Margaret’s Experimental Blog,” Stargazer seemed like a fitting choice.
Yesterday I picked up Sharky from Farm Camp, complete with pickles that they’d made, took him to the library to get a book I had on hold (I’d already read it!), and brought him home to play and get beat yet again at UNO by a crafty 6 year old. After work, his mother and younger brother arrived because they were going out to a movie night at a local park and would be spending the night here afterward. But first, we ate OD’s incredible mafe; I do so love West African dishes! I begged off the film due to my cold; they were meeting their good friends and neighbors there anyway, including Sharky’s close friend, M. Plus, I wanted some quiet time with my traumatized cat.
M’s older sister K gave Obro a piggyback ride and the children played for hours as they waited for dusk. It’s VERY late in our far north state! Eventually, they saw “Togo” which OD said was an excellent film, although she ugly cried in several spots. Most people have heard of Balto, who ran the last leg of the 1925 “Great Race of Mercy” to deliver diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska during an epidemic. However, the true hero of that event was the lesser-known Togo who covered WAY more distance (170 miles) than any other lead dogs and over the most dangerous parts of the trail. I’d like to watch the film, but it’s not available anywhere except E-bay–at outrageous prices. 🙁
Incidentally, OD and family returned to my house after 11, so the boys didn’t get to bed until 11:30 or so. After that, OD wanted to chat about interesting family tidbits she’d picked up when she met with a cousin on her dad’s side. By the time I made it to bed, it was after 12 and then I COULDN’T sleep. I’m sure it was partly my cold and partly the unsettling information about my late husband’s family. (we’re estranged, so it doesn’t affect me, except peripherally) Finally, Obro popped into my room before 6:30 a.m. because he’s an early riser no matter what time he goes to sleep. It was a three coffee morning!
They’re so peaceful when they’re asleep and not wrestling, chattering, running around or bugging us for treats or TV time. 🙂
This morning I headed off to Younger Daughter’s to babysit Ian for Anders’ gymnastics class and to hang out with both boys after that. Whew! I’m POOPED. I should go for a walk, but I’m severely lacking in energy right now. Perhaps exercise will invigorate me?
As for the ocean camping trip, John hasn’t asked whether I’m going tomorrow and I intend to leave it up to him. I feel OK (not 100% but decent); I do have a cold though and no one except Mari might want to be around me.
I’m definitely feeling like it’ll be an early bedtime tonight at several households.
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