"Martha and I might have settled over a book, or taken up our embroidery, or written letters ourselves to a numerous correspondence - but an unaccustomed restlessness had me in its grip."
- from Jane and the Ghosts of Netley, by Stephanie Barron
The air is hot; this morning early my brother went out. He never complains about the heat, but he said it was awful out. He went to the supermarket and when he came out, "my glasses fogged up." That was worth complaining about!
I'm getting through the Brothers Karamazov and am also reading Watership Down - two rather rough stories - and was craving something less heavy, a story that draws you in. I like to reread old favorites, so I picked up one of the Jane Austen mysteries. To the hum of the air conditioners, and in between homework chores, I picked it up at every opportunity.
I'm ready to hem my burgundy dress. These sleeveless dresses are so cool, so welcome this summer! I'm not good at taking selfies and it's hard to photograph a whole length of dress. But last summer I bought fabric for three dresses on the Hancocks of Paducah website, buying only sale fabric. One of them is too short and I just got some eyelet for a ruffle to lengthen it. I wear the others regularly. So this year I bought three more and I'm on the third. But I love the batik version so much that I bought two more fabrics - these will be in heavy rotation, but it's satisfying to know that I paid between fifteen and twenty one dollars for each, since I bought only sale fabric.
The tomatoes are turning red, and the beans are starting to flow in. I've got basil drying - I like it better than fresh, usually. I still have some basil leaves in the freezer, but I reach for the dried herb more often.
We've been feeding some neighborhood cats. They're not strays, but they come around and up to the door, so we give them food. This one is Benny.
Note the tongue sticking out. I think he's cute. Then there's Leon, who has been coming through here for years, and now is finally comfortable with us. He has a certain look about him. I couldn't put my finger on it, but my brother said he looks mournful.
It's that longish, Norwegian Forest cat kind of face, and the way he has his head lowered but the eyes look up at you.
*If you should feel curious about reading this, don't! It would be best to begin at the beginning with this series. You will thank me later.
I didn't know this series, I am going to look for it! My NY library has it .
ReplyDeleteOur heat wave lingers on without relief in sight. I am thinking it may continue on until the equinox. Your cool summer dresses sound perfect. I have four cool linen tops, worn thin with time, that I keep reaching for.
ReplyDeleteI love the orange tabby. He reminds me of a roaming Tom that I called Hobo. He used to visit us regularly but no more.
Oh, I hope you get some break before the equinox!
DeleteThat’s me above! I forget sometimes to sign in. Almost finished reading the bear story. A good read.
ReplyDeleteI also forget sometimes! :D I'm glad you like the book.
DeleteLeon does have a very distinctive expression, yes, mournful and also humble. I wonder if he knows that his expression has an effect on people? I know that dogs can make themselves look appealing or otherwise because that is part of the pack-mentality they have - but cats?
ReplyDeleteYour summer dresses sound wonderful! I have some pairs of very cool, thin, cotton pyjamas and with all the heatwaves we have been having they have been getting a lot of use. They are all very old but until this year they have been fine; they don't usually get much wear. I have had to repair one of the pairs a couple of times this year ( the seam between the back and the collar had given way in two separate places). Then another pair needed a patch on the seat of the trousers and then subsequently ripped on the elbow. I had just repaired that when the collar fell off! I was so disgusted with the ungrateful garment! It is now in the rag-bag and I have had to order some new pyjamas.
I can believe that a dog would have that understanding, but I don't think cats do. I don't think Leon has any idea of that, but he does look humble, doesn't he? :D We feed both of them, but Benny seems to have respiratory issues, so we are mostly concerned about him. Being outside all the time must be a factor, although wild animals are usually healthy (until they're not).
DeleteA friend was recently complaining that it was hard to find all-cotton pj's - I am a nightgown girl, and mine are all cotton.