the edge of spring

The big wet snow falls all day
And all night and all the next day
A storm on the edge of spring
Heavy lifting work to clear a path.

The cold is in my bones now
Three months deep into the season
Tree branches break under the weight
This winter storm is punishing.

In three days we will fly to the tropics
Sweltering in ninety degree heat
Seeking any shade from the sun overhead
Delighting in an evening cooling breeze.

Here I am twenty-two miles from you
And snowbound for two days.
There we will be together every day
Thawing out and enjoying life.

scallops for dinner

You like scallops.
This was your favorite when you were a child.
Now I am preparing them for our Friday evening meal.
You are coming to visit for the weekend.

I like scallops, too.
That’s why I have them here
From before you came into my life
Liking so many things the same as you.

I enjoy making a meal for two.
For you I make sure to use plenty of garlic.
I think we’re going to have our usual good time together
But I am in for a big surprise.

You’ve been careful in this relationship,
Making sure it’s not too good to be true,
Making sure we don’t get out ahead of ourselves.
I’ve adjusted to this. I’m happy with it. I don’t push.

Today after lunch you reach out your hand to me
And ask if there’s anything I want to talk about.
Me? Nothing is bothering me. How about you?
Yes, you want to talk about us living together.

Wow! I did not expect this conversation yet.
How do I feel about it? Absolutely yes!
But where? We will find a place that works
For both of us, we have time to figure it out.

It won’t be until next fall.
I ask you again, is this about me,
You want to live with me?
Yes, you say, let me tell you the reasons why.

two weeks from now

Two weeks from now we will be driving to Blanchiseusse
On the left side of the road to where the coastal road ends.
I’ve never been to Trinidad.
I am so excited to go there with you.

I am imagining us hiking the north shore path towards Matelot
Exploring the Paria River waterfalls,
Stopping for a picnic lunch by some coastal cove beach,
Being there together in our version of paradise.

I am imagining us driving through the rain forest,
Up the switchback corners to the mountaintop preserve,
Stopping along the way amazed by the birds we see,
Amazed by the plant and tree diversity.

We have a list of places to go while we are there
Longer than we will do in one week.
All of them will be more special to me
Seeing them for the first time with you.

Today I begin packing my bag.
Shorts and sandals and swimsuit go in,
Trinidad bird books and binoculars.
I am so ready for our vacation trip.

Albert Thomas Ayling woodworking

hollow spiral lamp black walnut

1. The cylinder has been turned and is being drilled out to a pattern on the drill press. When drilled over 1/2 way through it is hollow.	2. Drilled out blank waiting to be cut in quarters - numbers (other end) in order to be re-assembled.
3. The spirals waiting to be carved.	4. Carving the spiral - using many different tools in a chuck on the end of a flexible cable. The other end (for power) is attached to a chuck in my wood lathe, which has variable speed capabilities.
5. The four sections re-assembled and glued with epoxy - held together with rubber bands and the a long piece of coated wire. Epoxy instead of wood glue (titebond etc.) was used because of a longer set-up time.	6. Turning the base for the lamp - being sanded.
7. The three parts waiting to be finished. The top and bottom are attached to the middle with 3/8" lamp tubing - electrical wire installed.	8. The lamp with one of the soaking coats waiting to be wiped dry.