Another Poem: If Spring Were a Color

I recently wrote a post about the color of spring.

As I looked for my jigsaw poem, I found the following, one of several poems I wrote in April 2013:

If spring were a color

it would be green

of tree buds and grass shoots

and in the Crayola canon it is

If spring were a color

it would be yellow      

of sunshine, daffodils and forsythia

If spring were a color

it would be blue

of robins’ eggs and sky

If spring were a color

it would be purple

of crocuses and lilacs

If spring were a color

it would be white

of pear blossoms that fall like confetti

If spring were a color

it would be pink

of cherry blossom trees along the national mall

If spring were a color

it would be a rainbow

of warmth, hope, and renewal.

Jigsaw: A Poem

It's the last day of National Poetry Month. I wrote this poem last summer based on visits to Pine Island Cemetery in Mathews Park with Lola and this photo.

Historic Pine Island Cemetery

headstone broken in pieces

jigsaw puzzle of a life.

A Three Park Day

Yesterday was the nicest day of the year. I knew it would be a great DPF. I decided to also take out Lola earlier in the day. I had two reasons: it was the nicest day of the year and I thought that if Lola got out earlier, maybe she'd be more sociable at DPF.

Around 1, we headed to Mathews Park. If Lola gets over her fear of walking on sidewalks, we could walk there--it's about four blocks away. She likes Pine Island Cemetery. The Norwalk portion of the Norwalk River Valley Trail goes from Pine Island Cemetery to Oystershell Park; we did a lap there and returned to Mathews.

I was proud of Lola for her ease in crossing the street. When we first approached it from the cemetery, she pulled back. Just our luck, a bunch of cars passed by. Normally the street isn't that busy. After that initial hesitation, she was fine. Progress.

Later we went to Taylor Farm for DPF. We walked around the perimeter of the back field before joining our friends. It was a great day.

Film Round-Up

It's been a while since I've posted about films I've recently watched, so here I go.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie: I wasn't sure what to expect from the movie. I don't think the later seasons of the show were as funny as the first three. And after all this time... But I loved it. It was a lot of fun. In a way it reminds me of Veronica Mars: The Movie: I'm not sure if people who didn't love the show will really appreciate the movies. At least non-show film-watchers won't recognize and know the history of many characters.

Scarlet Street: I found this on TCM one afternoon. I had missed the first 10-15 minutes but didn't think this was a problem because I'd seen the film before. (A few weeks later, I caught the beginning.) But, as I watched I realized I didn't remember it. It wasn't that I confused the film with The Woman in the Window. I remember that film clearly: the same director and main cast of Scarlet Street. I haven't seen The Woman in the Window in years but it was weakened by the "it was a dream" ending. I read somewhere that the studio (International-RKO) required director Fritz Lang to film the "dream" ending. I prefer Scarlet Street and its "real" ending. Robinson is awesome as the mild-mannered, hen-pecked clerk who thinks he found the woman who understands him. He is an actor of great range--far beyond the Little Caesar-type gangster that most people remember. Dan Duryea shines as the pimp/boyfriend of Joan Bennett, the object of of Robinson's affections. Duryea is always great as a sleaze--I especially loved him in Too Late for Tears and The Little Foxes--the latter is only his second screen credit. Joan Bennett is good at Kitty--she's playing roles of sweetheart and artist--but in reality she's a scheming opportunist.

The Maltese Falcon (1931): The first of three versions by Warner Brothers holds up well although it pales in comparison to the iconic 1941 version. (We should all forget about the 1936 version Satan Met A Lady--even Bette Davis couldn't save that one.) Ricardo Cortez is underrated; he does a good job as Sam Spade. I also liked Bebe Daniels. But I missed Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre and Elisha Cook Junior. All three were much more memorable than their 1931 counterparts. I disliked the 1931 ending when Sam visits Ruth Wonderly in prison. The 1941 ending with Spade and Polhaus discussing the "stuff that dreams are made of " is stronger and quoteworthy.

Small Victories

I haven't done all that well year-to-date on my annual goals. Each day I seem to lament what I didn't get done/what I should have done.

So in this post, I want to talk about a few things I've done right this week.

I went to the gym four days this week--only the second time this year.

I went through all my blouses in both closets and culled the blouses that I want to keep and will give the others to Goodwill. I still need to re-organize the clothes in my drawers--I have too many t-shirts.

As part of my prep for my performance evaluation, I went through several folders of tutoring notes. I recycled most of the papers and saved what I needed. This is the first step of a major re-organization.

First steps can be hard. I'm glad I made first steps on three projects this past week.

Happy Anniversary to Lola!

We celebrate one year with Lola today. We wanted to go for a hike at Lake Mohegan or Babcock Preserve, followed by a visit to Sedona Tap House. Unfortunately, it was raining when we walked outside. We decided to try the part of the Norwalk River Valley Trail that Lola and I visited Thursday from Sharp Hill Road to Twin Oak Lane. The rain stopped and we enjoyed a walk of about 40 minutes.

Lola is standing in form of a display of "hero rocks."

To the left of the rocks is a sitting area (although hard to make out in this photo.)

On the way home, I saw signs for the Wilton Library Book Sale. I ran in while Jeff and Lola explored Schenck's Island. I had recently discovered Schenck's but didn't know how nice it was. Lola and I will return: three of ten.

It started raining again, so we couldn't dine outside at Sedona Tap House. We picked up a steak sandwich and fries and had a late lunch at home.

Now I'm headed into the kitchen to make duck breast and salmon for a special dinner.

Reading the (Female) Detectives

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been reading mysteries. After I read Breakdown, I read Brush Back, which had been the latest VI Warshawski mystery. Last Sunday's New York Times reviewed a new book, Fallout. 

I went to the library: I'm fifth on the Fallout waiting list. The library expects to receive multiple copies, so the wait might not be too long.

I just finished Critical Mass. This book takes place between Breakdown and Brush Back, but I missed it. I also picked up Deep Pockets, a Carlotta Carlyle mystery. By googling, I discovered there's a later Carlotta book I haven't read (Lie Down with the Devil.)

Most mystery/detective books I've read feature female detectives. Nancy Drew is the first series I remember reading; I was in a book club and received monthly installments. I also read Trixie Belden, Judy Bolton and the Dana Girls.

The first VI Warshawki and Kinsey Millhone books were published in 1982. Carlotta Carlyle first appeared in 1987. I'm not sure how I found VI or Kinsey or which one I read first, but obviously, I've enjoyed both series.

They are similar in some ways: both are licensed private investigators, divorced, runners, involved with musicians at some point, often at odds with the police, committed to their clients, smart and determined. Both have older male neighbors as confidants and friends.

Kinsey is a loner, almost anti-social. She's an orphan without family at least for part of the series. In later books, Kinsey discovers relatives from both sides of her family. She seems to have only one friend--Henry, her landlord and neighbor. In the series Kinsey's had three short-term romantic relationships. Kinsey was once a police officer before she went private. She never seems to cook--eating cereal, sandwiches, Big Macs and strange meals at Rosie's Tavern. One last thing that makes a big difference in her stories--Kinsey is "trapped" in the eighties--the setting of her mysteries--in her thirties.

VI is more social and comes from a large family. Friends and relatives are the catalysts for many of her cases. I think she has had three long-term relationships--although I'm not sure about the length of one (Conrad)--and a few other relationships. VI loves food and is a good cook. She is also a singer. VI is a feminist and a progressive; most--if not all--of her cases involve white collar crime. One predictable thing in VI mysteries--the rich/corporate people are almost always the guilty criminals.

I haven't read a Carlotta Carlyle mystery for years. She's tall, red-headed, a cab driver, a former cop, a guitar player. Carlotta has a long term off and on relationship with her cab company boss (or owner?) Sam, who has a mob family background. Carlotta is a devoted Big Sister.  I don't remember many details. I'll have to write more after I read Deep Pockets.

I prefer to read about female detectives, though I've read about male detectives such as Spenser, Lord Peter Wimsey and Sam Spade. I identify more with the women, I guess. There's no residual narrative sexism. (Hmm, what exactly is residual narrative sexism anyway? I like the phrase: did I just invent it?)

I'm  not sure if I'll continue with my mystery reading binge. For now, on to Carlotta.

Two of Ten

Lola and I returned to the Wilton Loop of the Norwalk River Valley Trail.We waited until late afternoon: it rained in the morning, and I was doing laundry in the afternoon.

This is the second new trail for us; my goal is to take Lola to ten new hiking spots this year. 

We started in the parking lot on Autumn Trail that we discovered last Saturday. My plan (same as Saturday's) was to walk for a half hour and then turn back. After 20 minutes, the trail ended. We continued around a curve but that also ended. We still had a nice walk. We saw a few joggers and a few people with other dogs.

Lola enjoyed herself, but seemed to want to walk longer. There will be other days.

Back to the Gym

I returned to the gym after a week-and-a-half. It would have been easy to blow it off today--I didn't manage to get there until after 10. It helped that I dressed in my gym clothes first thing.

I had a decent workout: back, biceps, abs and 30 minutes on the cross-trainer. Often the first return visit after a break is a tough one, so I was  relatively pleased.

In my off-gym time the past week-and-a-half, I wasn't completely sedentary. That helped. I went on three hikes, (Lake Mohegan and two at Cranbury Park) a long walk (the Wilton branch of the Norwalk River Valley Trail) and two home exercise sessions. Plus a few shorter walks with Lola.

My plan is to hit the gym four times this week and take many long walks with Lola.

A Brunch, A Hike, A Sunshower

Today was a unseasonably warm Easter with temperatures in the low 80's. We joined Jeff's family for brunch at The Ridgewood Country Club. We had custom Bloody Mary's made tableside, with choices of vodka, other ingredients, rim, and garnishes. Among many other offerings I had clams on the half shell, lobster roll, blueberry pancakes, bacon, a scone, ham, green beans, mac and cheese, salad and mini lemon pudding cakes for dessert. It was delicious.

We returned home, changed clothes and took Lola to Cranbury Park for a 1.25 hour hike. The carving on this tree caught my eye. Let's go Mets!

Here's a picture Jeff took of Lola today. 

We drove home from Cranbury Park in a sun shower. Unfortunately no rainbow appeared afterwards.

***

I forgot to post this photo from Lake Mohegan last Sunday, but it seems appropriate today; paper Easter eggs strung on the lower branches. Pretty good picture, considering it was so bright I couldn't see the image on my cell phone.

Today's Walk

One of my goals this year was to explore ten new hiking spots.Today we explored one--the Wilton loop of the Norwalk River Valley Trail. We walked from Route Seven, across from Orem's Diner, to Sharpe Hill Road.

I loved the part of the trail we walked. Although close to Route 7, we walked through woods and wetlands for about 35 minutes before turning back. We found another parking area so we can use that as a starting point next time.

This route will become part of Lola's regular hiking rotation.

First DPF of the Season

Tonight was the first warm, dry Friday since the beginning of daylight savings time--that means the first Dog Park Friday (DPF.) About 10 of us gathered today at Taylor Farm.

The Parks Department had taken the picnic table away, so many of us brought out our own lawn chairs. Other than not having the table, it was a wonderful evening. A few people commented on how Lola was more outgoing and more comfortable with others. 

We toasted to the first of many Fridays.

The Color of Spring

Spring officially began about three weeks ago. But I feel that it's here for real now: that we've finally escaped winter's icy grip (purple prose alert.)

I was thinking about the color spring green (though what I remember from my box of Crayola crayons is different from the wiki spring green.) I've been admiring sunny, yellow daffodils and forsythia in my travels the last few days, instead of green.

It is that yellow that symbolizes spring for me.

Reading Round-Up

This year I've read the following books.

The Boleyn King--My comments are here.

Outlander

V is for Vengence--a Kinsey Millhone mystery

Kinsey & Me--I only read about half of this book--the short stories about Kinsey. I read two of the other pieces about an alcoholic mother, but found them depressing so I gave up.

Hardball--a VI Warshawski mystery

Body Work---another VI Warshawski mystery

The Handmaid's Tale--this was a re-read; I think my third time reading this book.

Women of Wonder--The Classic Years. I bought this book in 1996; I know because I found the sales slip among the pages. (I also bought  Women of Wonder-The Contemporary Years.) I only remember one story from The Classic Years: "Of Mist, and Grass and Sand." I read that in a short story collection by Vonda N. McIntyre. The story was expanded into Dreamsnake, one of my favorite books.

W is for Wasted--a Kinsey Millhone mystery. This book got off to a slow start. Usually I enjoy reading about Kinsey's lifestyle, her neighbors and Rosie's Tavern. This time it seemed to go on a chapter too long. Once the mystery kicked in gear, I enjoyed it.

X--the latest for Kinsey. While not a true sequel to W is for Wasted, it features some of the same characters. I liked that Kinsey found the good side to a guy she had disparaged.

Currently I'm reading Breakdown featuring VI Warshawski.

I've read seven books so far this year. Maybe another half for Kinsey & Me. One re-read, and I'm not sure how to classify Women of Wonder--The Classic Years. Regardless, I'm in good shape to reach my goal of reading at least 12 books.

A Hike at Lake Mohegan

Today was the first of a string of nice days, and we headed to Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. I think today was Lola's third visit.

Lake Mohegan was a popular destination today. We saw many others with the same idea we had.

Our hike around the lake took an hour. The last leg included a portion on the sidewalk. Her first time at Lake Mohegan, Lola panicked when we got to the sidewalk. Today she was a bit nervous, but didn't panic.

I am so proud of her. Lola is really making progress.

To Bette Davis

April 5 was Bette Davis's birthday. I've written many posts about Bette because she is my favorite actress. 

She has a wealth of 123 credits on imdb. (In comparison, Katharine Hepburn has only 52.) A few of the awards she won are two Oscars, a Golden Globe, an Emmy and an American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award.

Among her iconic performances are Mildred in Of Human Bondage, Leslie in The Letter (my favorite performance) Margo in All About Eve and Jane in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

She is always a pleasure to watch and makes any movie better. I recently recorded Bordertown and look forward to watching it again. 

Tomorrow

I strive for all my tomorrows

Tomorrow I'll be good

Tomorrow I'll mop the kitchen floor

Tomorrow I'll go to the gym

Tomorrow I'll call Aunt Gladys.

I think I'll write tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be a good day to clean out the closet.

Tomorrow

will be a damn busy day. 

Jazz and Poetry

I knew April was National Poetry Month, but I didn't realize it is also National Jazz Appreciation Month. Then I read about "Old as New" a program at the Norwalk Library. Jim Clark, a jazz composer/saxophonist, released a new album and asked Laurel Peterson, Norwalk's Poet Laureate, to collaborate by writing poems in response to his music.

I loved the music.I enjoyed much of the poetry. Most of all I loved the idea of combining jazz and poetry.

It was a lovely way to spend part of a Sunday afternoon.

Since I was at the library, I took out four books to catch up on both the Kinsey Millhone and V.I. Warshawski mystery series.

I need to take a closer look at all the programs at the library.

Opening Day is Here! Mets Win!

The Mets beat the Braves today 6-0, a perfect start to the new season. Noah Syndegaard pitched well through six inning before leaving with a blister on his finger.The Braves threatened with runners on third in both the fourth and sixth innings, but Syndergaard prevailed. His counterpart Julio Teheran also pitched well through six.

Then there was the seventh inning when the Mets exploded for six runs. It started with Wilmer Flores scoring on a overturned out call. Lucas Duda capped off the scoring with a three-run double.

It was the second largest crowd in Citi Field history. The Mets have the best opening day record in the major leagues at 36-20.

A good start to what should be a winning season.