It's funny how spot on this book is with the seasons even if I am from a different geographical region. Still, Midwest or East Coast, we both share four (reasonably) distinct seasons. I say reasonably, since it seems that my favorite seasons--fall and spring--are really the shortest, when I wish they were the longest (I would be happy to have temperate weather year-round however--does such a place even exist?). So, much like Stillmeadow we are straddling two seasons. We are just at the start of May and here I am still wearing my winter coat (but then I am weirdly cold sensitive having to wait for public transportation in the cool, dark of morning I opt for warmth over stylishness).
I could just about substitute Omaha for Stillmeadow.
"The look of April at Stillmeadow is a tentative questioning look. For spring is beginning and yet winter has not absolutely gone. I note in my journal that the past five years have brought cold weather, rains (today here!), and even blizzards! But there are days--oh, tender daffodil days!"
We have had some warm, pleasant and very springlike days, but then it turns cold again and the only hint of it being spring are the trees that are full of blooms and hearing birdsong every morning once again. Gladys pretty much has been following a similar format each chapter. She writes about nature and how the seasons are subtly and not so subtly changing. She writes about family and friends and neighbors and there is always some bit of wisdom. She shares recipes and meals and I wonder if she will have and write about a garden.
So here is the bit of wisdom she shared which stuck out to me, and I made a little notation by. She writes about her friend Jill's son and his son, both of whom learned to swim.
"Tall man, small boy, and the pattern repeats itself. It made me think, as I watched Jamie in his father's lap,that perhaps the real secret of success in life is faith that we cannot sink! When we are faced with a problem, if we believe we can solve it, we are likely to. So, as you embark on a new course, why not assume you cannot fail because you just happen to be one of those who cannot sink!"
While she does share another recipe it was her writing about peanut butter she put out for birds that I most enjoyed. She was advised not to put out plain peanut butter because it sticks to the roof of their mouths. No longer--she made a change and any PB that went out "was mixed with seeds, crumbs or something to keep the stickiness out." Imagine those poor birds with PB glued beaks! I like to add jelly to my PB sandwiches, that seems to help, or opt for crunchy over plain!
As always, my monthly visit to Stillmeadow is a pleasure.