We have toppled over the halfway mark for 2023 as we finish up these last two days of July. I remember thinking in April that 2023 was speedily marching along but now we have five months remaining. In a little less than two months, I shall hit the age of fifty-nine, thus beginning my sixtieth year.

Saturday’s event for Dayton Live was a show called A WRINKLE IN TIME, a production that was part of the education department’s summer camp series. I did not get to see the show but it seemed to be popular with the two audiences at 1 PM and 5 PM.

My work was completed a bit earlier than the anticipated 8 PM finish, so I grabbed a Lyft ride to my home rather than waiting until 8:15 PM. I was home by 7:15 PM instead of 8:35 PM. I relished that one hour of additional time to relax on the deck with the pooches. I munched on some vegetables with brown dip and some chips and salsa, a light, refreshing dinner on the deck with much more agreeable temperatures.

This evening I will meet two new voice students who are to take over the hour slot vacated by a senior who is off to college. All the musicals are over, and family vacations are coming to an end. Now, it is marching band season, but those students involved have Sunday lessons so there will be no interference.

The temperatures are expected to rise to the mid-eighties this week and rain is not shown on the list until Wednesday. As always, I am wrestling with when to mow the yard.

BOURGAINVILLEA

Tough and hardy, this bushy shrub;

Roadside decor in blazing sun,

Flowers pretty enough no doubt

In sure rigour bear heatwave run.

Blazing colours in crystal tints:

Orange and red, purple and pink;

Range of flavours, violet-white hints;

Touch unafraid such tensile links.

Flowery bursts in hot weather, Sparkle and shine, blooming clusters;

Tough with dry thirst in warm splendour,

Outlook feels fine in sheer wonder.

Hot evergreen with thorny hedge,

Sparkling colours that look so good;

Nature now seen on dusty edge,

Arid odours as harsh drought broods.

Unnoticed show that bears hot heat,

Blooming in hues that gathers lots;

Bear fast or slow as time retreats,

Flowers that cue in sun drenched plots.

Bourgainvillea vines in the sun

Tell a story of survival;

See joy appear in sparkling run,

Flowers breezy in recital.

Leon Enriquez; 14 Apr 2014; Singapore

Make it a great day!