Would that I had something of moment to report, dear Reader. But I do not.  Mine has been a catalogue of tedium today. In fact my entire week has been a record of mundane and clinical devotion – passport renewal, teeth cleaning, prescription modification, root canal inquiry and an oil change for my car. While I mustn’t complain about having to fulfill these passing necessities of life, nonetheless I am provoked that as a result I haven’t anything of distinction to relate. The most intriguing events today were a haircut and a brief review of the latest on-line boating course (the conclusion of which by the way is that I am never going to own a boat). Aside from this latter convincing resolution – arising from the disclosure of the rude fundamentals of boating ownership – I find myself staring at the wavering cornstalks, marvelling at the speedily changing atmosphere, while curiously reeling from the sensation of having being poked by dishwasher and refrigerator mechanical faults (further matters now under investigation and discussion).

Life is mildly unsettling when these cumulative perils discolour one’s daily summary.  In the final analysis however there is little if anything which succeeds completely to dampen one’s gusto; though it can recognizably achieve a degree of discomfort. The metaphor today was the anticipated storm which never materialized. We appear to have suffered only the periphery of the tempest; and, with the aid of passably violent wind gusts, clear skies are now literally on the horizon. Tomorrow’s forecast is favourable.

The effect of this transformation is that one must never disparage. Certainly there are inconvenient and sometimes exceedingly sad events in life but there is no profit in submitting to despair. We only heighten the already distressing and depressing elements of life if we were to do so. Accordingly I have cast aside all detail of interruption and miserable consequence, resolving instead to commit to whatever is manifestly encouraging. Admittedly it is a posture of undeniable ambition but its bluntness does not diminish its worth. There are times when logic can truly surpass the strength of emotion.

This evening’s customary resort to the balcony following the evening meal is distinguished by the precipitous change of temperature (I was obliged to reach for my cardigan) and the acknowledgement that even this early in the season the hum of the cicadas is not far off and the prospect of diminished daylight is a tangible modification. It is just another reason to rise above obstruction and to relish whatever advantage is at hand.