Featured image: The Regulator clock keeps up with the time in the narthex and library at Cassel Mennonite Church. My grandparents, Solomon and Rachel, were for many years caretakers for the church and wound this clock each Sunday morning.

 

Cogitation 31 Friday 3 August 2018   Saying “goodbye” in person often includes a hug.

Bidding farewell to the seventh month of the year, though, requires a virtual embrace. That means figuratively putting arms and mind around the 31 days just gone by–and musing about the longer ago, including ancient names for July,

In Dutch, July was known as hay-month. In old Saxon as the month when cattle were turned out to pasture. In the French Revolutionary calendar as harvest month (19 June to 18 July).

July was named by Mark Anthony in honor of Julius Caesar–a bit of history way beyond my intentions in saying goodbye to July 2018. Sometimes one has to let the mind wander far afield to come to terms with the present.

My main focus in the month gone by was family/friends. Together we face the loss of Brian–sibling, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend. Our time with, and hearing from, family and friends has been heartwarming and reassuring. Goodbyes were wrapped in the word’s ancient meaning (late 16th century) of “God be with you.” Thanks to all. Peace to you and to your house.

Photos in this salute to the close of July include blooms, bridges, birds, and, ahem, members of the extended Bender clan.

 

Blooms from the last week in July

 

 

Bridges

 

Extended family

 

Sashay along the Avon in Stratford, Ontario

 

Homeward bound

On our return home from Ontario we took secondary roads for a good stretch. These former main highways brought countryside and village into view. The roadsides were distinguished with more wild than mown verges.

Our road took us through Flint. We saw signs of hard times, but also the central presence of the University of Michigan-Flint satellite campus, an expansive health center complex, and neat neighborhoods.

If it has to be so, goodbye.

john