warmth of orange

My sister Louisa arrived later than expected. on Friday. Her bright orange red hair matching her equally orange sweater. I think of Louisa as that color – orange: the one color my father told us to totally avoid. Louisa wears it so well.

And her “orange self” was totally present for our warm and wonderful visit. When she’s here, she’s fully here – non-stop talking, deep questioning. It wasn’t all one sided: she was answering my inquiries about her daughter, Chloe, for whom I have such fond feelings, Yesterday morning we headed out – she’s active! Wth her I hiked longer than I have in a long time, distracted by the ongoing chitchat and her observations of my lopsided walk (will I ever walk well again after that tumble I took?).

At dinner, her glow was ever present. She encouraged me to get out of my shabby hiking pants, so I changed and then actually put on earrings when we went to the Inn (which she loves). The conversation at the meal included a focus on the upcoming presentation at Squam Lakes Associaton about the plasma converter machine. The questions that came up will be much better answered by Paul. I’m hoping those who come will be equally inquisitive.

When she drove away this morning and took her orange self with her, I could feel myself still basking in her warmth. Peaches wouldn’t eat her breakfast. She only does that when she is dealing with something emotional.

She was feeling the loss before I was.