Plague Journal, Time Out
Yesterday was my birthday. Yes I know, April 1st is the day set aside so that everyone can play the jokester if they desire. That fits my temperament. Life is highly improbable, unlikely, fragile and thus is suitable material for ironic humor. What are the odds that I am here, that I continue to be here after 71 years? Long odds, but as of right now the game goes on, still standing. That calls for a laugh!
My birthday, your birthday means take a time out. The whistle blows, and you get to hustle off of the court, to sit or stand in the circle of other players for a bit of rest and reflection. A pause in the action is taken to think together about where you’ve been and what the team ought to do when play resumes.
Two photos are offered this morning for your enjoyment. The first is of two locomotives that flew past the camera, about five feet away, probably moving at 50 mph. I saw the twin headlights coming down the track and figured they belonged to a commuter train that would be slowing as it approached the platform where I was standing. It was a freight train, that was not slowing down. It’s passing was exhilarating. Each of the freight cars, doubled-stacked with shipping containers made a percussive sound as they flashed past.
My oldest daughter made the joke that the story would be told that “He survived the covid-19 pandemic, but a freight train took him out on his birthday…….”
The second photo is of two birthday gifts received from family members. Who has enough toilet paper these days? One more roll is appreciated especially this one imprinted with the image of our indomitable president.
The bottle of apple brandy, 97 proof, from Copper & Kings American Brandy Company in Kentucky needs no explanation.
Wish that we could gather at the Long Grove Coffee shop so that I could share a sip of brandy with all of you.
That will have to wait for a better time.
