jaeleslie

If I am a little distracted, scattered, cranky, or playing too much solitaire this week, here is the latest weighing on my mind, and I try not to dwell on it, right?

My friend Barb WINOLJ (and can't even work on her computer because she can't sit at the desk) called on Friday. I have written here about her before when I had a nice drive in the country delivering her pain meds. Not only is she spending all her time on lymphedema bandaging and massage, lately she can't have proper treatments until the dermatitis clears up.

Now the liquid diet (Ensure) isn't going down too well. She has to have a port installed for IV nourishment, and is struggling to get an appointment for the procedure.

I told her she will be the first such bionic woman of my acquaintance. She thanked me for the unbirthday card I sent.

It all still sucks.

Smelling of citrus and tropical flowers
I gaze at a twittering lawn just green
through the still circle of aged pinecones
that guards the window. Pry one off the wreath
and leave it on the rail to tempt our fat
backyard squirrels, finally slimming down
their cornfed winter. They're relying now
on the finches' leavings, sampling bitter
sprouts of crocus and of early tulips.
I'll bribe them not to touch my hyacinths.
Branch and feeders sway in the wind, a few
more drops of rain spatter the glass, then an
opening of sun. A cup of coffee
taken on the porch, all I'll have for now.

Arrangement of colors in a glossy
brown bowl: bartlett yellow green, pink-blushing
yellow grapefruit, and unspotted pastel.