Since it was cloudy and overcast yesterday afternoon, I grabbed the opportunity to take a walk with Don on our local rail trail. (I’m supposed to stay out of the direct sun while on my antibiotic.) It was late in the day, rather spur of the moment, and it felt so good to hike, even for a relatively short distance. I love my cottage, but the walls were closing in on me!

The butterfly bush always blooms in late July/August. I love the graceful, slightly droopy look of the blooms.

So pretty. I’m thinking of extending this garden bed next spring.

The great Lauren Bacall died yesterday. I have a Lauren Bacall story for you (slightly revised from the version I posted on Facebook as I remember the details more clearly.)

Several years ago, Don was part of a concert version of Finian’s Rainbow that was staged for one night only to benefit the Irish Repertory Theater in Manhattan. He played the bigoted (and funny) Senator Billboard Rawkins. Afterward, we attended a gala celebrating the benefit and somehow I ended up standing near a table where Lauren Bacall and Phyllis Newman were seated. Don was to my left, conversing with someone, and I was momentarily looking in the direction of Ms. Bacall. I could tell that she and Phyllis Newman recognized Don from the show. She smiled at me and said hello, asked my name and nodded toward Don approvingly. I said, “That’s my husband.” She lit up and said in that wonderfully deep and husky voice, “Well, your husband is tahRIFic!”  She landed that last word in her inimitable Bacall style. (If you were here, I’d do my version of it for you.) Anyway, I beamed from ear to ear and thanked her. She was so warm and generous and friendly and down-to-earth. I was greatly impressed by her and more than a bit star-struck. I’m so lucky to have had that moment with her.

Rest in Peace, Lauren Bacall.

There’s a new post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page, asking the question: What works of fiction had a profound effect on you? I’d love to hear your choices.

Happy Wednesday.