humungus fungus

Next door, my neighbors have this giant mushroom growing in their yard. We've never seen such a thing there before. Lots of rain lately, but no other explanation. We first thought it was a stray soccer ball or volleyball, because there are lots of those around the yard, but no, it's definitely a mushroom. Could it be an extension of the famous humungus fungus around Crystal Falls, Michigan, about 125 miles from here?

brain on boredom

My daughter blamed it on Vicodin, but that was worn off by then. The problem was a brain sitting around more than it is accustomed to, because of recent surgery. So, we think interesting things. Such as, at lunchtime, talking about varieties of dogs, and what kinds people work to keep purebred. "Nobody tries to breed a bouvier with anything but a bouvier," averred my family. "Oh?" asked I, "How about a chihuahua? Then you'd get a bouvihuahua!" Any other good suggestions of combinations? Maybe I should just get back on my medication--

rest without sleep

I spent most of last night in a recliner in my living room, so I could elevate my leg better after recent knee surgery. Didn't actually sleep much, but what a show I got instead! The night before was fireworks from the Perseid meteor shower; last night was lightning, thunder, and a great steady rain that gave us about 3-1/4" between midnight and 8 a.m. Sitting, watching, listening, sometimes snoozing, it was both very relaxing and very exciting. I thought about logging on to write during the middle of the whole experience, but decided just to soak it in quietly without technological assistance. Only thing that would have made it better is a metal roof.

thinking about time

I used to think Sydney Harris had the best job in the world--he got to write two columns a couple of times a week: "Things I Learned on the Way to Looking Up Other Things," and "Thoughts at Large." They were blogs way before we had computers! Now, laid up after minor knee surgery, I'm thinking about many things, including how the gift of time--even for reasons we don't like--connects to creativity and communication. Time is the gift we appreciate least, squander most, and don't take care of. Slowing down, noticing things, staying in touch, just sitting still and watching the birds, stars, weather, people, or whatever is happening--it's all important. Let's not miss it.