Freshening

The orioles are back! New nectar for everyone! Fresh sunflower seeds! The not-so-stealthy squirrel hanging upside down from the bird feeder is definitely nursing. Sylvia, once again, has taken to hunting our back yard toads. May can come around my house anytime, although I'm awfully fond of September, too. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. There will be plenty of time for September later.

On Saturday the mailman delivered my subscription to Black Ocean Press. Four books plus Handsome for $40. So far, I've consumed Ordinary Sun by Matthew Henriksen. Good stuff. I should buy more small press subscriptions. I always find something to be delighted about. On the other hand, I've been poking around ordering stuff on the Kindle, too, which might be the polar opposite of ordering from a small press. Click the BUY button and within seconds Robert Hass is in my hands and lined up next to The New York Times and The New Yorker and my bank account has surrendered $9.99. Chekhov, the old dead fart, is instantly delivered and free. Both electronic and paper have their seductions, I suppose. The real books are great for my real house and my real rocking chair. The electronic books are great for traveling sans a 40-pound sack of tomes, and of course there's the instant gratification aspect.

But look! the sun is shining here, Amazing! and the May weeds haven't ceased their grow. I'll be out in the freshening.