Old Stories, New Facts

Following up on earlier posts, here are some stories from the recent past:

CLASSMATES. Mini-reunion was fun. BOB, sans pocket protector, was an older version of the classic intellectual we always admired. Clearly struggling over whether to retire here (where wife has but he no longer has family) or to remain in the Boston area. Living close to MIT and Harvard, while not essential, is still important, his remarks suggest. BILL, the insurance executive, is a widower of two years and speaks lovingly and cheerfully of his talented late wife. Early death from breast cancer. Bill gave full and cautionary details for the three of us women present. His deafness is aided by a cochlear implant and lip-reading abilities that are impressive. Good man, and instantly recognizable from the past. All of us were, we said.

YANKEES IN NATCHEZ. Great trip with Pennsylvania guests. Weather nice. Toured two old mansions, had a couple of great meals and oohed and ah'ed at hanging moss and brilliantly hued flowers--plus pleasurable gaping at elaborate costumes in Natchez Pilgrimage Pageant. Unexpected highlight: freebie tour we took without knowing we weren't welcome. Sunny day, doors open, no one about, so we toured the roped-off areas inside "Ellicott Hill," one of the earliest mansions. Great view of Mississippi River. Attendant came late, shocked to find us there. We assured him we weren't packing off the silver. Fortunately, we had seen the place by then, so it was roger, over and out. Memorable 32 hours in Natchez.

WREN IN WREATH. Nuthatch, actually. Still on nest she created in rim of artificial wreath at front door. Tolerates our comings and goings amazingly well. No eggs have we seen, but we dare not investigate. Trusting her to tell us when or if some babies hatch. As to the roosting pair of dark brown ??'s, they, too, are reliable. There last night--both of them--with heads in the eave and tails extended for the public eye. There at dusk, gone at dawn; we never see them in open daylight.

BEAGLE HUNT. Following a friend's invitation, I went to meet the formerly neglected, mature beagle female named "Chelsey." She was older, quieter and more laid back than I'd like. I've since learned I need a fenced-in area, lest any typically active beagle chase off into Nowhere and Everywhere. Bottom line: no dog yet.

OLE MISS IN MANHATTAN. The Big Apple took a toll on our Rebels. Ohio State beat them handily before going on to win the entire National Invitational Tourney at Madison Square Garden this weekend. Best of the earlier game for a Rebel fan was to see the team fight back to within 10 after being 27 down earlier in the contest.