The first roses are ready to open in a few days. Peter loves roses and we have found some that do well in our shady backyard. The peonies will be spectacular this year, as will the poppies. Their buds are swollen and ready to pop.
This afternoon Peter rounded a corner. I heard it in his voice when I called him around 5 to say I'd be over with dinner soon. We are fantasizing about him coming home within the next two days.
Erik Jorgensen, our next door neighbor, offered to clip the hedge that surrounds our property. He wrote: "I'm writing to tell you that I'd be so pleased to clip your hedge - it's something I can do to help - and I'm a better clipper than, perhaps, I am a cook!"
We gratefully accepted the generous offer. He clipped away all afternoon today, taking time out from a busy schedule. Erik, a Democrat, is running for the Maine House of Representatives. He said to me that he wanted the hedge to look just as Peter likes it when he comes home. Imagine!
When Peter went to the hospital last time, Erik's wife Tamara made a huge badge of lentil soup for us the day before she left for London on a business trip.
Time and again I have watched these two wonderful people help where help was needed. They are generous to the core and we are grateful to be the recipients of their kindness at this time.
Speaking of kind and generous: yesterday our dear friend Lucian prepared another delicious lunch for us. This time it was Stroganoff with golden wide noodles and local asparagus. Peter and I were in heaven as we ate the elegant and utterly delectable meal.
Marie, Lucian's wife and Peter's Tart Angel, baked one of her stellar creations for dessert, an Alsatian Rhubarb Meringue Tart. Just look at those artfully arranged whirls of meringue! The tart was not only lovely to behold but also transcendently delicious. Peter and I agreed that it could have come from the finest French Confisserie.
Peter and I feel lucky to have such a strong support system. We love to read your posts. They give Peter a big lift, as do the letters and e-mails we have received as well as the phone calls. Thank you for all the kind and loving support you send our way.
Peter and I feel lucky to have such a strong support system. We love to read your posts. They give Peter a big lift, as do the letters and e-mails we have received as well as the phone calls. Thank you for all the kind and loving support you send our way.
4 comments:
Dear Jutta, Dear Peter, so wonderful to hear that Peter is well on the way to becoming boring again -- we knew you could do it, Peter! And Jutta, all your shots are terrific, but the first one in today's posting of your garden is almost shocking in its beauty. All is needs is the two of you rejoicing in it, and sounds like that will happen very soon. Go Generals! Love, Joan and David
Looking back on all of Jutta's posts, it has struck me that as difficult and scary as Peter's treatments have been, you both are so lucky to have been on the receiving end of so much love and support from thoughtful neighbors and dear friends. Not many people have the chance to see how much they really matter in dear friends' and family's lives. Summer is approaching and what better spot to come back to full health than that gorgeous garden! Much love, Monica and Gregg
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous Jutta.
And your shots of both the entree and dessert are perfect still-life portraits.
But of course!
In times of need, whether physical or emotional, one discovers, sometimes surprisingly so, the true value of relationships. From your post, it sounds your karmic circle has returned as I am positive over the years you both have performed essential acts of kindness for many in your spheres. And perhaps been unaware of your impact.
No mention of peter's leg so my hope is it is dormant.
That tarte was absolutely gorgeous! Good enough to eat :) Ally (& Andrew)
I was so happy to hear the good news today that you will be released from "prison" tomorrow! I bet you are psyched to finally get back to your domain! Congrats on holding in there in such a well-spirited way. You totally amaze me how you pulled that one off! Welcome back home, Daddy!
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