O Thistle

The volunteer thistle on the edge of the driveway is back and blooming. Among the most beautiful of flowers, there are the thistles, round scaly spheres bursting with violet. Riding on four-foot spiny stems. Later the seeds are favored by goldfinches.

Investing in the Golf

Just passed through a decision point with the VW Golf. We looked at and Jane test drove one of the new Golfs. Then decided to invest more in the existing car--new tires, fixing the coolant leak and the leaky head gasket. Feels good, once we made the decision. Greener.

Recovery

Slowly but surely recovering from surgery for a tear in the medial meniscus of my right knee. Had a lovely pre-surgery trip to the city and finally got to walk the High Line. Lots of gardening inspiration there. Went to a terrific dance concert in Chelsea with Anna and Kate. And witnessed Kate getting her Masters degree in early childhood education at Hunter College. Momofuku, lots of other good food.