Punctual surprise
One of my favorite bouquets, not least because it returns yearly. York County, July 2019
“Let a thing be but a sort of punctual surprise…let it be delicate, painted and gratuitous, hinting that the Creator is solely occupied with aesthetic considerations…”
― Hope Mirrlees
Mirrlees has captured one of the things I so love about flowers. “Punctual surprise” is the perfect way to describe them. They come back every year at around the same time, and yet the first sight of them each season is somehow an unexpected delight, like fireworks going off in my heart, lighting things up with color and pizzazz.
When I read this quote, I also realized why it’s so hard for me to let go of our York home, and why I love to return there. It’s partly because we have planted so much around the home and yard over the years that we have some sort of botanical color in every month and season. Although I generally spend a few days out of every two weeks there, I almost always find a punctual surprise waiting for me.
As if that were not enough, the York neighborhood is full of people who obviously love flowers as much as I do, so the neighbors’ homes offer their own regular seasonal shows. No matter my mood, it’s enough to lift my heart and bring a smile to my face. The children on bikes and dogs being walked and runners jogging by add to the festivity.
Recently, one of my favorite surprises waiting for me in York County was the lily plant that I wrote about during July of last year. This year, the number of flowers had more than doubled, with a dozen gorgeous blossoms on that one stem. Despite the weight of so many brightly-colored posies, the stem did not bend at all, displaying the bouquet with a flourish of greenery that enhanced the floral beauty.
What punctual surprises do you most enjoy at this time of year?
This post was first published seven years ago today. The blog is not designed for viewing on cell phones, but you can get a less distorted version of the photos if you click on the “view on blog” link at the top right of the screen. The original post, comments and photo are linked, along with two other related posts, at the individual post views. These links to related posts, and their thumbnail photos, do not appear in the blog feed; they are only visible when viewing the individual posts by clicking on each one. I have no idea why, nor do I know how they choose the related posts. That’s just the way WordPress does things.
- Posted in: Uncategorized
- Tagged: Asiatic Lily, blooms, flowers, gardens, lilies, plants, regularity, reliability, schedule, seasons, summer, surprise
Defeat Despair 
Hi Julia,
Been hectic. Sorry for going off the grid. I’ll be moving to a new residence on Tues. When settled will send you new contact info and catch you up on all that has transpired.
take care until then my friend,
-Alan
Hi Alan, hope this (very belated) reply finds you getting settled in and enjoying your new place. Can I assume your phone number is the same? Be sure to let me know where to send your “redbird” Christmas card this year! Enjoy what remains of the summer. It has been such a hot one that I’m a bit eager for autumn– but I keep reminding myself that I should enjoy the warmth while it lasts!
Stay warm my friend. Fall is on the way. Yes enjoying the new place with my brother. It’s Creamery Brook Village. Independent (us) and assisted for those who need it. Beautiful place with a great staff and welcoming residents.
Alan
Hi Alan, thanks so much for this update! I made a note of your new address and phone number, but deleted it from this comment for privacy reasons. I’m so happy you like your new home! The leaves are beginning to turn here, so I imagine you are having some fall color already.
Julia,
Things are going well here as independent living. We only signed up for the dinner plan and glad we did. The food is like eating out every night. Easy to put on weight in a hurry if you’re not careful. And I can’t see how anyone can make all 3 meals a day. All you would be doing is planning to eat all day.
The grounds are beautiful and with autumn colors soon to be I know you’d appreciate them.
In changing my email I was locked out from wordpress and went to old email for user name until I can securely work in my new email.
That’s why I haven’t commented. I hadn’t received any posts on my new email. It was regarded as though I was a new blogger.
Stay well my friend,
Alan
Hi Alan,
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has problems with WordPress. (Well, maybe not GLAD, but “reassured it’s them, not just me. 😀 ) They keep “improving” things, forcing new learning curves on us all, and I wish they (and every other technology company out there) would just STOP THAT! But I’m glad you persisted and found a way in. I’ve had many such complaints from others in the past few years alone and I’m sure many just give up. I’m grateful for those who keep making the effort.
I’m so happy you are enjoying your new home! Good plan to sign up for only one meal a day. As I’ve aged, my appetite keeps slipping. Less time eating frees me up for other activities. I picture a glorious autumn surrounding you there in Connecticut. Would you believe it’s one of five states I’ve never visited? I’ve been very close, but never actually in the state. I’ll let you know if I’m ever coming your way. Thanks so much for longtime friendship and steadfast presence here!
Happy fall foliage,
Julia