How does your garden grow?

This post is mainly for mom. I try to keep her on top of all matters of importance, like what is blooming in my garden. First I need to share the latest addition to my kitchen:

The end of my counter has always been a bit sloppy--too many bits and bobs. I bought this tin Wall's ice cream box to A) provide more storage and B) tidy up the end of the counter, putting tea caddies on top of the box. I bought it at a store called American Vintage--even though the box isn't American. But I had a nice chat with the American who runs the store, ex Army guy from Chicago, who bought a mill in West Belfast.

So, on to the garden. My favourite bush is in bloom--pink pom pom azalea. In front are a maple and columbine in the pots, with (barely visible) a geum on the right and a viburnum on the left. Quite pleased with how this area of the garden has come along. The photo doesn't quite capture it.

And here we have some of the irises. I find it fascinating that they smell like grapes. Why?? When you see one petal with its frilly yellow throat, you really do have to stop what you are doing and wonder at its intricate, delicate beauty.

This photo includes two types of native geranium The one at the base of the heart-shaped ornament isn't quite in bloom yet. On the right are a columbine--the gorgeous flowers are mostly earth-facing so you don't get to see them, and some kind of purple daisy--I think it's a flower associated with the seaside, but I don't recall what it's called.

In golf news, I won my second match last night in the McKee Cup. At the end of 9 holes, I was up two holes. I won the next four holes, so was up 6 holes at the 13th. With only 5 holes left to play, Helen could not catch me, so the match was over. In we went for our G&Ts.

I spent the week editing a 30-page technical guide reviewing securities and antitrust regulations as they relate to acting in concert and collaborative engagement. Tuesday I was in the weekly match, but alternate shots with a partner, so not that taxing. Wednesday at the driving range. Thursday I played 11 holes after work prior to joining Christine and Thea for take out Thai. And Friday was the match with Helen at 4:30 pm.

Today is Saturday. I've spent most of it gardening (mowing, raking, weeding, watering, trimming borders). And now I am knackered. Which may be 50% due to gardening and 50% due to four days of golf.

Today's weird epiphany. I was going through files this morning trying to find the passport photos I had taken last year for my UK passport. I need this for my 60-plus bus pass--free bus trips! I never found the photos but I put the following in the recycling bin: questions to ask during an interview; job search info; an analysis of cash flow discounting; information about exchange traded funds; attribution analysis using FactSet data. It's really weird to confront the end of my working life. On the one hand--what a relief! To not have to maintain professional knowledge of complex information, or to be prepared for a job search "just in case." I'll never have to update my resume again. Hallellujah! It mostly feels like a load off my shoulders--like I've successfully reached a finish line. Not that I've retired, but that this WILL be my last job and retirement isn't too far off. But there is a niggling bit at the back of my mind that wonders how I will cope with not being employed--after 40 years of work. You can't help but have part of your identity be anchored in your professional work. And when that disappears, how do you see yourself?

I actually think I'll be fine. I have always had a lot of interests and never the time to pursue them. But it will be an adjustment for sure. And hard to know when to retire when the price of everything is going up while the stock (and bond) market is sinking.

The Russians continue to pulverize eastern Ukraine. I continue to be astounded that one country can flatten another and all other countries do nothing. Well, they arm the Ukrainians, which prolongs the war. And one wonders is that best? The more Ukraine defends, the more Russia attacks. Is this a zero sum game? I'm reading analyses that say--while every fibre of the body politic says don't give an inch of gain to Russia--the wiser move is to provide a concession that ends the madness. If Zelensky's position of no concession holds, what is the cost to Ukraine? Should the West support that? I don't know. I don't think Russia should control grain exports from Ukraine--quite clear on that. Between the misery of the Ukrainians (Kyiv beginning to look vulnerable again) and slaughter in America (21 dead at an elementary school), one has to contemplate the throat of an iris to remember the ineffable beauty of the world and the privilege of soaking it in with all the senses.

28 May