Esperanza 10:00
Yesterday was soggy, today is gorgeous. This is not a new thing: here is a nice little sketch from the guestbook in the 1880’s showing the plight of some Esperanza guests who had the temerity to try to go out in a boat on the nearby lake.
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Esperanza 22:48
Well, bother.
I suppose that bit of roof had to go someday. But, did it have to leak all over the place? Thankfully, there were a few strong guests about to help move the rather large bureau, mirror, and other items. And it didn’t fry the wiring in that corner nor has it gotten down to the library on the floor below. Now the question is will the rain stop coming down before the plaster comes down?
That was not in the plan for this year. At All.
And heaven knows where we will find red shingles in order to match the rest of the roof.
To top it off, we then had to extract a rather mad, but very healthy bat from the basement. Maybe his roof got wet and he moved down a few floors?
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Esperanza and Landscapes 20:12
But not today’s. Today, there is a thunderstorm rolling across the hills. There is nothing one can do about a thunderstorm. One can prepare as best as one might. But the storm will come and go unchanged by man. An act of God, but a God untempered by mercy, justice, or reason.
Anyway, just before evening, you’ve seen this picture before but it is always, always different.
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Esperanza and Historical Events history, letters 20:21
From Julie to Morris, excerpts from a typical letter, bouncing from the practical to the philosophical:
“I think the twentieth of June very early for our projected trip, but if you say so I will be in readiness. I have a very pretty traveling dress in process of completion, it will be done next week and my traveling hat. And by the way don’t dare to come on without a box of powdered sassafras to make gumbo. I must have some. I expect to go out on horseback next week with Jamie Smith to make myself certain that I can acquit myself creditably before I shall have the pleasure of riding with My Lord. There is a chill in the air yet but it is getting tolerably warm and pleasant, still velvets are not at all uncomfortable.
….
I almost wish you would not stop at Brockport but I shan’t say much about it. I feel in a desperate hurry to see you. Remember you have been gone since last October, which is not a short time, at least to me, but I know man’s love and woman’s love are very different. I found that out long ago but I have not got quite reconciled to the fact yet. Man’s love is of his life a thing apart, tis woman’s whole existence.
…
Good night. I can print better than you. But you are my darling all the same.”
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Esperanza 20:33
A place like this doesn’t run itself. There are two options available: Lots of money is the first one. Well, that isn’t happening. The second…well, that might be harder to come by actually: intelligent manpower. You need several people with some decent skills. Currently, rewiring a garage door for an electric opener rather than brute muscle? We can do that. Drawing up a new garden bed and planting it? We can do that. Re-framing a picture? We can do that too.
You either need someone who is skilled in a multitude of areas, and can make it a full-time job; or you need several people with varying strengths who are willing to make it into at least a part time job.
Maybe it isn’t the most fun all the time, it sure isn’t that world cruise or that high-flying, high-power career, it isn’t the self-fulfillment we have been promised for most of the last two generations. But dreams, well, they don’t tend to come true. But the sun rises and the sun sets on these glorious green hills, and by the grace of God and the kindness of man, I’ve gotten to watch it.
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Esperanza and gardening and Landscapes and Modern Photos and Trees gardening, landscapes, photography 20:11
I have been badly remiss these last few weeks with this blog, other paying priorities in the way.
In any case, to make up for it, here is a short walk around what one might think of as the inner circle of the property:
Esperanza and Landscapes and Modern Photos landscapes, photography 20:25
Another view of the lawn a few days ago…the temptation to start playing with modern art installations is clearly strong! That chair, by the way, is probably getting on for a century in age….
Esperanza and Historical Events 20:09
of Esperanza, from 1918. A portrait of Eileen Creevey Hall* partaking of a common activity here. Still common, even if a fair bit of the reading occurs in virtual libraries here and there!
I am not sure who Corey Ford was, aside from being confident enough to sketch in the guestbook. I like the sketches, I wish more of the visitors had done so.
Eileen and the artist clearly had a difference of opinion on whether it was or was not a portrayal, she was eight at the time.
Esperanza and Landscapes photography 18:12
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Esperanza and Modern Photos memorial day, photography 22:19
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Acair Fearann 