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| Rosa 'Westerland' 19 August 2025 |
Because I like the heat, today I was cold and could almost feel with the darkening of the evening that fall is on its way. I felt sad. I decided that I would do what I am doing right now. It does not involve drugs or alcohol and I am not affecting anybody else. My cats are happily bed rotting. I am going to write a letter to my Rosemary making believe that she is visiting our eldest daughter in Lillooet.
Dear Rosemary,
Today I smiled when I spotted the bright orange bloom of Rosa ‘Westerland’. Even though you never liked bright colours in our Kerrisdale garden you did learn to like this one. And you were particularly proud of me when a scan of the rose became a cover photograph for Canadian Gardening. They paid good money.
A few weeks ago I discovered this picture of you wearing braids. It seems I took it in one of our trips to Morelia. I have no memory of it. You look beautiful. Because I can print to size you might approve that I only paid $4.50 for the frame at London Drugs.
The cats, because you are not around are clingy. They go out but they immediately come in. When I say, “Rosemary,” they prop up their ears. I am sure they miss you.
I try to keep the house tidy and every time I dry and put our plates up in the cupboard I remember you because you insisted we buy dishware that could be put into the microwave, unlike our Mexican set.
The garden is showing its fall wear and I need you to come back as you are much better than I am in knowing what to cut back. Even though you are not here I can hear you, “Alex, you have to water the plants.” I do this every day.
Hilary is in terrible pain. She played, for the first time pickle ball a week ago and may have a torn ligament. She can barely walk. She is seeing a therapist tomorrow after her work. She is using a heating pad which is giving her a bit of relief.
Ale is with Eli and they are coming back from a trip to Anchorage. They are on board a slow cruise ship and will be in Vancouver on the 25th, a couple of days before her birthday.
I have not heard from our granddaughters. I am sure that while they consider me to be just an old man they will call you when you are back.
One of the nicest experiences in spite of the fact that I miss you when you are not with me is driving to Pemberton to pick you up. Ale brings you there. Traditionally you and I go to the Macdonald’s there and have fries and a chocolate shake. On the way back you tell me all you did in Ale’s garden and how her three cats are doing.
Come back soon. I miss you a lot.
Your loving husband,
Alex
