July 18th
I spent part of the evening outside after sunset. I went out to check the viewing and watch the International Space Station pass overhead (well, almost overhead, or so it seemed.)
After a cloudy start to the day, the evening ended up almost clear. The sun sets about a half an hour later here than it did in Windsor, so when the ISS went over it was still some light outside. It was interesting to see how much brighter got as it reached the apex of its travel passed me, although I’m unclear as to why this was.
Certainly, it is true that I am now living in a much more crowded area, and there is a constant hum of moving vehicles in the distance, sounding not unlike the deep sigh of the wind through the white pines in Maine.
I sat quietly for a time after the space station past, listening to the peepers in my bit of canyon. The evening was cool, with just enough warmth to make the mild breeze comfortable. I’m told that there are mosquitoes in the bottom of the canyon, but up above where I was, at least, and with the breeze, I escaped assault.
And suddenly the peepers stopped peeping, as though frightened by something, some predator, and then after a while, resumed their song. This happened several times. I don’t recall noticing this phenomenon in the past, but perhaps Anne can tell me if these interruptions are a regular occurrence, given that her house lies in such close proximity to a colony of them.
A peaceful evening in which to contemplate the universe. Seeking joy in the magnificence, its rich hugeness aswirl with detail. Wondering what journeys will present themselves. I’ve found myself here where two roads diverged in a yellow wood, one door is closing, I have yet to see what the next will reveal.
July 20th
I got my first share of fruit from the Home Orchard Society in Oregon City this morning after a tour. I’ll get 3-5 lbs a week for 20 weeks into November. A couple of lbs of plums, small and only some of them are ripe, a ripe fig, a pint of blue berries and 3 early apples
I was most excited with their paw paw trees, all mine have failed back east but I’m told they do well here. They also have Fuji persimmons. The place is surrounded with fencing with grape vines on them, such abundance.
I have blackberries growing over my fence from the neighbors and I shall feast when they ripen, but I look forward to planting some other fruits here too.
I cut up all the plums, removing the stones but keeping the skins, and added sugar. I’ll cook them down tomorrow into jam. I plan to use them in yogurt or for fish or chicken. I squished a couple of handfuls of blueberries into the plums. Now I wonder what I’ll do with that fig . . .