The Complexities of Things

I know I’m well overdue for a blog post, and perhaps an update considering it’s been about three months since my last post.  The house has been on the market for about three months (obviously I’m still here).  There have been a few visits but no viable offers.  Given all the buyers’ feedback, it seems that I’ll be here for a while, and showings will likely decrease during the holiday season.

Yes, it’s a bit discouraging especially as my better half (the economist) is already in Italy.  Long distance affairs are always a bit complicated, but I know others have it worse so I shouldn’t complain.  So to bide my time, I’m starting on a few projects that I had set aside until I got settled in Rome.  Resuming my blog post is one of them. 

Morning Twilight Star Gazing

It’s twilight, but night still has a tight hold of the sky.  Outside my window I can see a constellation of stars arch above the dark treetops, a faint grey light outlines their silhouette.  Dawn’s not far behind.

I don’t know why I’m up so early: side effects from allergy medicine; stress of selling a house; anxiety over moving?  Who knows, but I doubt knowing will help me sleep.

So, what are those stars?  I count 9 visible ones.  I’m directionally challenged, but I believe the windows face north east.  There’s one star at the top left and one diagonally below it which align with five more in a gentle arc.  The last two stars are lined above the sixth one.  I’m sure I’m missing important pieces to identify this constellation, but the waning crescent moon has risen and the stars fade into the morning twilight.  It’s 6 am.

I’m tired and I can’t recall any of the items on my to-do list that made me restless.  Maybe I’ll go check out old out old “Jack Horkheimer: Star Gazer” episodes on YouTube to refresh my five-minute astronomy knowledge.  I have a feeling that morning twilight star gazing is going to be a hobby.

What is a Weed

A weed is basically an unwanted plant that’s growing and competing with desired plants.  So, in essence, a rose can be a weed as much as dandelions (though some people eat dandelion leaves in their salads – much too bitter for me).

Given the state of my front garden, any of the existing plants can be a weed.  Since spring, I’ve neglected a lot of my outside duties (heat, indoor updates, procrastination, laziness, etc.).  Now, the overgrowth has made it difficult to discern what was meant to grow where.  Though the heat isn’t easing up, I’ve decided I’d better do a bit of weed whacking before I break a city code, if there’s one.  Who knows, maybe you can actually see the hidden stone path when I’m done.