Ending the month on good news.

[hannah]

I've received confirmation that not only will my job go through the end of the summer, it's going at least until the end of the calendar year. As someone whose job history tends to be in fits and spurts, with the knowledge there's going to be an end to things - if not soon, then eventually, and it's always coming - it's a relief to know it's a while before I need to worry about its arrival.

It started out flat and cloudy today, with the sun breaking through the clouds while I was out on a bike ride. I'd thought about taking a shorter ride today, and with the sun, I thought better to make it a long one. I saw a hawk try to catch something, fail, and take off from the ground to try again. I saw two pigeons doing some beak-kissing on the ground, clearly enjoying each other's company.

I also made this cake in a nine-inch springform pan instead of a small bundt, leaving off the glaze, and it smells fantastic. I've got enough lilac blossoms left over I should do something else with them. I'm thinking scones.

I have them because last Friday at the market, a flower and apple stand was selling late lilacs, with blossoms having fallen off the branches and onto the table. I asked if I could buy some, maybe five dollars for a bag, and they shrugged and let me sweep up whatever I could carry for free. So I did. And felt an obligation to them, so I bought some peonies, which they might well have been expecting. Not that I mind. Both peonies and lilacs smelled wonderful.

Comments

[linaelyn]

Congratulations on the job consistency!

The lilac cake recipe is now bookmarked. It's no longer anywhere near lilac season out here (and it fell weeks-early, with the drought/heat this year) but I plan to make the most of it next year, with my neighbor's (EXTENSIVE) lilac crop.

Farmer's markets are amazing for kindred-spirit connections where they say, "You want to pay us for that? No, no, please, take it for free!" and one naturally responds with, "Oh, and I'd love to purchase this other item you have for sale."

I once was buying strawberries and mentioned I was making jam with them. The farmer pulled several entire flats of berries from under the table, on a hot day. "Overripe, but perfect for jam berries!" she said. "Just toss out every tenth berry if it's a bit off." I reached for my wallet, but she said, "It's you, or compost. Take them. Free."

I think of you often, dear. May your peopnies bring you joy this week.

[hannah]

Thank you!

There's also syrup and scones, if you feel inspired.

[misbegotten]

Yay for the continuation of job!

[hannah]

It's quite the mundane joy, and joy just the same.

[yourlibrarian]

As someone whose job history tends to be in fits and spurts, with the knowledge there's going to be an end to things - if not soon, then eventually, and it's always coming - it's a relief to know it's a while before I need to worry about its arrival.

Always good to have some idea of how the near future will go.

[hannah]

Being able to make plans is an undervalued luxury.