EyedTulip of Bliss

My poor Sparrowhawk had some more oral surgery--prep for a tooth replacement. He was doing okay yesterday, but today his face is puffy and he's not feeling too great. Current status: on the couch, eating a little ice cream and watching his Columbo DVDs. I took him for a short walk earlier, to visit my favorite apple trees before the predicted three days of rain spoil their spring dresses. I love many scents of flowers, but the scent of apple blossom is the most wonderful of all. It seems to come from far away, like a memory that goes back before language and time. It's the breath of spring, youth, and happiness. The blossoms are even more ephemeral than cherry blossom, but they seem eternal, like the always-returning spring. To stand within the scent of apple blossom is to be embraced by spring herself.

Meanwhile, the Nipper and the Redhead are in Chicago tonight, seeing "Hamilton." They texted us earlier that the Philosopher is meeting them, and they'll all go together. The trip is a combined birthday present to the Nipper from the Redhead and us. She has some good ideas.