I have so many photos right now, I could do a blog with photos alone! I will save some for after the holiday. At the top, Merwin ironing the many files from his water-logged cabinets. Next, Merwin, Michèle and I are relaxing outside a wonderful seaside place in Tregastel, Brittany, France, in 2003. Though I was already feeling the effects of the MPD that is now putting me down, I was able to do so much more than I can now. I have to admit I am happy with the memories and do not wish to travel any more. Raymond. below, is the one who takes the photos—we didn't even have a camera then—so we rarely get a photo of him. What a handsome guy! At the bottom is Tom, whom we have known since his birth, son of Dotty, our first Long Island neighbor: Tom's done very well as a valued member of the Glenwood Fire Department—and you can see he is quite a fisherman.
Dear Friends and Family,
I have been struggling with itching and hope to contact my oncologist soon for any advice. I am taking the Gabapentin, which is supposed to help, and Zyrtec, which I pop like candy—I don't know how many a day, but the itching continues: I am sitting here now with an itch on the foot, an itch on the shoulder, an itch on the belly—well, you get the idea.
My work has been enjoyable to me because it is easy to do, not quite mindless, but almost, and potentially useful to many. You would be amazed about facts that slip out of my head. And that makes the work go slowly, but when the work is done no one can tell that I agonized about a word missing from my head, trying to jog my memory. I would be ashamed to admit to what I forget! This is the work: José Ramón prepared a fantastic bibliography for the book edited by Sarah and Nathalie, which I mentioned a while ago (an essay of mine is included). JR has given me permission to use it on our website, and I am preparing it for that purpose. He tells me that he has more items to add to the list, which of course grows and grows, as new essays and books appear: Hamlet is the most written-about play in the canon. I hope JR adds and adds. Sarah and Nathalie say we cannot mount it on the site until they have the publisher's permission, which they expect will come in 3 months or so. That gives me lots of time to format it for the site. This will be part of the great information that is available on hamletworks.org.
With Sonia to help, on Tuesday I invented a new dish. I had an excess of carrots, so I had her grate quite a few in the Cuisinart and sauteed them in a little oil with onions and garlic until they were very soft, then added a can of the great tomatoes Dave gets for us: They are so much better than Hunt's. which used to be good but which are now hard as rocks from, I bet, excess preservative in the can. The brand is San Marzano (I believe: the label is hard to read), grown in the USA. The tomatoes are small and round and melt easily into the sauce. That was supper, poured over some of the weekly supply of noodles, with a plentiful addition of grated cheese. Sonia asked me where I got the recipe: no recipe, just what's on hand.
Merwin has finally completed his work of ironing and Don, the builder who built his study and mine in 1998, has been supervising the work of ripping out whatever did not survive the water damage: closet, vanity in the bathroom, and much much more. Merwin thinks many things can be saved: but no one else agrees. I offered to empty as many of my file drawers as he would need—and that seemed to satisfy him. I certainly don't need my files anymore. Also, since we plan to sell our NYC apartment in the spring, he can have the couch that is there.
I have not even gone downstairs to see his study and bathroom. I can imagine it well enough.
Our insurance nowhere near will cover our losses. But I think of all those who lost all their belongings as well as their homes and know that in comparison we are very very lucky.
The itching continues apace. I think I will take another Zyrtec and hope it puts me to sleep!
Love to all,
Bernice
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