August 28, 2008

With the newbies and the other office staff on board, we moved files, shelves, and filing cabinets out of what will hopefully become a please conservatory/lounge. It lacks furniture and plants...Weather was pleasant all day, but no rain. Amy and I had cocktails at the Botanical Garden while chasing Marian around. She ran, screamed, fell into, tore at, oohed over and proudly pointed out (as her own discoveries) flowers and leaves off all descriptions. The still fountain/pool in the conservatory was a particular favorite. At $3 a cocktail, perfect weather and the beautiful gardens seemingly to ourselves, it was a magical evening...very pleasant. Saw the Japanese garden from a new angle, offset concentric circles with a single dynamic vertical line.

And the DNC Convention. Gore and Obama in an absolute feast for the eyes...good television, hours of oratory that was completely compelling. I was blown away and more than a little inspired...made hopeful, if for no other reason than that people were listening, paying attention for hours without special effects and cut aways. Made me think about some of my old aspirations at public life with a renewed (but cautious) enthusiasm.

August 27, 2008

No rain. Disappointing. I was hoping that the deluge of the last few days would continue. But cool, pleasant. Joe Biden's speech at the Democratic Convention knocked some of the cynicism that has lodged itself firmly on my shoulder. Identified via long internet search Perilla Frutescens as the ubiquitous ground cover along the Daniel Johnson Preserve's trail. (And wild poinsettia as a Euphorbia, same as spurge). Spent the morning in a cool and overcast downtown Decatur, coveting my colleagues placement there. I Am convinced that if Legal Aid and I have any future together beyond the next year, Decatur is the place to be. Spent much time contemplating Melancholy. Marian and Amy were beautiful to come home to. I wonder at the child. Hard to understand my love for her, and how deep it is, and ever growing in depth and breadth.