Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Summertime

It's mid-August and summer is passing before my lazy eyes. The flower beds have been beaten down by heat and Japanese beetles, and all that remains to delight the eye are the rogue flowers of the climbing weeds, like cow itch or morning glories. They creep into the beds and up the trees, hide under the bee balm and Gerber daisies, waiting for their moment to emerge. It's almost like they know; I haven't the heart to destroy anything that blooms in late summer. I haven't the heart for many things right now. With the passing season comes the reality that I have to do something about Jasper. Right now, and for a few months more, it'll be warm enough for her to live comfortably outdoors, but come late October, maybe November if it stays warm, I have to say goodbye and ease this old cat out of life. She's the last of the cats from our college years, and the end of an era, and in spite of her random piddling ways, I love her and will miss her. With her goes that last tangible thread that led to my youth, my life before this one.

Ever onward and upward, still, it's hard not to look behind as you leave a chapter forever. The kids are gone this week, up to visit with my sister. The silence is wonderful, and soul refreshing, but I miss the nectar of their sweet laughter and warm hugs.
My garden, seemingly empty and bereft, in spite of being overgrown, but hidden green peppers burgeon and ripen in anticipation of the boys' return. And ripe tomatoes make BLTs sublime. On Friday, August 15, I will be guest posting over at A Work of Art for Bennie Waddell, who's on vacation. Come check it out!

10 comments:

thailandchani said...

I'm sorry about your cat. It does sound like you have a good balanced view on all of this though.

~*

Chanda (aka Bea) said...

Poor old Chubby - I will miss her too, and will be there with you to cry into whatever we decide to cry into. Even as sad as it is to say goodbye, I still have to smile when I think of her Japer ways; her zen like method for hunting voles, her silly little meow, and the "christmas tree tailed" kitten that presented herself to you in the parking lot of Villa Roma(you gotta love a girl that digs itallian food!).

Beautifull pictures, by the way. Nice 'maters! :)

Saphira said...

it is hard to let pets go, I know this all to well!

Maggie, Dammit said...

I want to bite your header.

(Which totally sounded better in my head before I typed it out.)

I can so relate to your feelings about this time of year.

I am so sorry about the cat. :(

FairiesNest said...

As Dan Hicks said...and I paraphrase here..."How can you miss them if they don't go away?"
Poor old Mattie is looking at taking that next step sometime soon as well I'm afraid...sigh...it never gets any easier, and I guess that's a good thing.

flutter said...

Sorry about the kitty, honey

hele said...

Your mail was a wonderful representation of the end of summer. Evocative and beautiful.

I'm sending much love to you and your lovely cat.

Vodka Mom said...

I love this walk through your "life". My heart aches for your struggle with Jasper, and my eyes look with wonder at the fragile butterfly feasting on nectar. Ah, the sweet days of summer. (Now, where's my martini?)

Gypsy said...

I'm so sorry about Jasper. {hugs}

Arizaphale said...

Oh no. Putting down pets is the pits. So sorry. But that butterfly picture totally put me in the mood for spring here...