First, The Amarylis was given as a Christmas gift from Ann, our neighbor ! I haven't had one for years but my Dad always had two or three in the CN railway station office where we lived as well , to brighten up the wicket in the waiting room. I look at the flower and am drawn again to think of him.
Second, The half empty bottle of red wine corked by Uncle Charlie, the porcelain cork that resembles Joan's great uncle, and her favorite, who was a rascally physician in Regina in the 40's. I never knew him but she has wonderful stories about him and I wish I had known him and maybe I do already because I had some of that attitude myself and am drawn to him.
Thirdly, The two little bronze frogs sitting on the ledge in postural differences are part of frog paraphernalia lurking about the house that are icons in today's world much like the canary in the cage in the coal mine. When I think they are cute, they are certainly more than that. I used to keep green tree frogs in my greenhouse to eat bugs but stopped when I think of the world and I thought of John Lennon and " whisper words of wisdom, Let it be, Let it be ."
Fourthly, The large Chinese urn was given as a prize to my father-in law who was a fine man and a dollar a year man during the second world war on the Canadian Ration Board. That he let me marry his daughter 64 and a half years ago was fortunate for me then, and fortunate for me now, and it may just be stuff, and you may think this is "stuff and nonsense" but I think of him often as I look at it.
Fiftley , The little book that is a compendium of British Columbia birds has given us some pleasure over the years but the birds don't care what they are called as long as they can survive. Today was a good day because the oregon juncos have returned in droves. They are our winter birds and a welcome addition and I am going to reread my little book to stay familiar with them and their needs.
Sixtly. On the other side of the counter is a pile of sheets , pamphlets, little books all connected with cooking and all of recent use by she who does all the cooking of new things to try. She has never been confined to cooking the same old stuff only but has never avoided a challenge trying anew, a recipe, or changing a recipe by application of the general nature of cooking. Reminds me of Julia and Julie after a fashion !
I think of her courage to try and try and handle stuff over the many years.
What's it all about Alfie ?