Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve July

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Not now. Maybe next year.

The high temperature today was at least 94

Corresponding to the number of years Rosie has seen in her life.

The intense summer heat wave of late July penetrates indoors

Where the window fan breeze cools her somewhat as she sits.

We went to her Brooklyn apartment and sat with her talking

Exchanging news of people we know and things we have learned

And heard the story of why she has no air conditioner

As we ate key lime pie sipping lime seltzer in the heat.

There used to be one but it was too much trouble

Having someone lift it in and out of the window every year.

Now there’s one that sits on the floor but she doesn’t run it

Since emptying the water takes more strength than she has.

So Rosie tolerates the heat without complaint

Living the way people lived when we were born

And before that when Rosie was born

Before air conditioners made possible the migration South.

And we talked about what it was like in those days

Remembering sitting in the shade of a tree hoping for a thunderstorm

Ready to run out into the cool wet downpour when it came

Remembering when movies got air conditioned and then supermarkets.

Remembering when it was too hot to fall asleep

Waiting for the sun to go down and the fireflies to dance at dusk

Longing for the evening breeze to come into my bedroom

Listening for the rustling of the leaves in the trees outside.

Sometimes we would escape to the beach or swim in a cold lake.

Sometimes we would take a car ride just to catch the breeze

Hanging my head out the window to be swept by the wind.

I always remember those summer days when I was growing up.

I think for Rosie it’s not such a problem like it is for us

When she grew up used to contending with the heat

When she has lived as an adult so many years getting along

Something she learned to do that young people don’t do.

So Rosie can do without an air conditioner

But you understand that’s not the reason why not.

She doesn’t want to be a bother to anyone in any way

Though she would make us happy to let us help.

We have a spare unit we can bring with us

To set it up in the window when we next visit.

Rosie thought about our offer and decided

Not now.  Maybe next year.

Harriman hike #7

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butterfly walk to Black River

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modified Harriman hike #18

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Being

Taking the time out to be a human being

Sitting outside in the warm evening light

Watching the birds come and go from the feeder

Dropping seeds under our chairs for the chipmunks

Be still and soon enough so much will happen.

Such a pleasant time together being with you

Not much talking except a remark now and then

Noticing what’s going on around us.

These days our life is an exercise in keeping fit

Standing balanced on one foot with arms outstretched

Leg extended to the side as we are looking in the mirror

Counting the duration as we are holding the pose.

Enjoying summertime birthdays coming around again

We have the gifts of good health and easy living.

Freylinghausen July

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