John Gardner, 1933-1982

I've read his Grendel, Gilgamesh, and The Sunlight Dialogues, and now I'm reading The Life and Times of Chaucer. The photo is from the Wikipedia article about his life.

I am amazed at the extent of his writing, and his genius. But you can't envy someone whose life was haunted by terrible memories and nightmares, as his was.

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Today is my first "pajama day" in a long time. I ran all over the place yesterday, paying bills, mailing stuff, and buying--a loaf of bread! I once said, "I wish I could go into a store and buy a loaf of bread, without spending fifty dollars." Well, yesterday I did it. I had shopped for groceries over the weekend, but forgot that item. I have a dental appointment tomorrow, but today I'm incognito, secluded, and unreachable.

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[Scream!] About five minutes ago, there was a rainbow in my back yard, under the oak trees. About a quarter of a circle. By the time I got the camera, it was nearly gone and didn't photograph very well. It goes across the white house, and you can see a light trail of it down to the ground.

Lovely Party, If I Do Say So!

Yesterday was great! I wish I had thought to photograph Ramey's beautiful and delicious birthday cake (brought by Susan) before it was consumed. But too late now. I also wish I had thought to photograph everyone. I seldom remember the camera while things are going on.

We had a great little crowd. Reed was in high good humor. It was a really fun and enjoyable day.
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 I hope to get through this week without melting down. I hope I can hold onto the thought that this time next week, or next month, or next year, the surgery and hard time will be behind me.

My prismatic paperweight on the window sill cast this rainbow on the ceiling. I hope I can take it as a good sign.