I finally got into the garden yesterday. I weeded the flower beds and planted the dahlia tubers and gladioli bulbs. Dave mended the fence, mowed the lawn and weedwacked everything else. The results are satisfying — the place looks pretty good. Just in time for us to leave.
As usual there is so much to do before a trip. Already I feel the squeeze of anxiety in my heart. Since this trip spans the payroll time period, I need to prepare everything in advance.
But I also enjoy travel. The actual travel days are a respite from ringing phones and everyday demands. I know that with cell phones and ubiquitous internet access, I don’t really have the same freedom from obligation that the absence of technology used to impose, but I give myself permission to knock off a little anyway.
I usually select a new book for a trip. This time I’ll be traveling with Queen Noor of Jordan. I’ve always been curious about Lisa Halaby, an American woman who just happened to marry King Hussein in 1978. At the time it seemed unfathomable to me for a Princeton-educated woman to make such a choice. But I used to know a lot more than I know now.
Queen Noor’s book is my 16th since January. I doubt I’ll keep up this pace, but it’s been nice giving myself permission to read. Okay so there’s a lot more dog hair not getting swept up, but it’s a small price to pay.