Via Sullivan…

It came to me the other day:
Were I to die, no one would say,
“Oh, what a shame! So young, so full
Of promise — depths unplumbable!”

Instead, a shrug and tearless eyes
Will greet my overdue demise;
The wide response will be, I know,
“I thought he died a while ago.”

For life’s a shabby subterfuge,
And death is real, and dark, and huge.
The shock of it will register
Nowhere but where it will occur.

–John Updike

He called it a poem for Sunday.  I’d say it makes a good Valentine’s Day poem.  Or an any day poem at this stage of my life.  Being as I am, at that age where death isn’t totally unexpected…

"I thought he died a while ago…"

I hate this time of year.  Not only is it dark and cold and covered with ice, la, la, la, la, la…it’s that Most Romantic Day Of The Year!   !!!

Er…wait a minute…  Maybe there’s a connection…

…Just really preoccupied with the house.  On Wednesday I discovered that a leak in the roof, near the back of the house by the chimney, that I thought had been taken care of was back with a vengeance.  Between that and other more routine maintenance here at Casa del Garrett I’ve been away from the den computer more then usual. 

And…I really don’t feel talkative right now…for some reason…

To: Bruce Garrett
From: "FTD.com" <lily@mailfromftd.com>
Subject: Super Sunday: Save $20 on 100 Valentine’s Blooms

Save $20. 100 Lovely Blooms For An Everlasting Valentine. Sweetly Yours Valentine Bouquet. Starting at $29.99. For $10 More Add a Ty Plush Dog or Sweet Godiva Chocolates.

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From: "Costco News"
To: Bruce Garrett
Subject: Save Your Money, Love Your Valentine – Shop Costco for the Perfect Gift! 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. 35 Long-Stem Red Roses. Find the perfect gift today! Includes baby’s breath, greens and vase. $64.99 Delivered.

While supplies last. 

From: "Rosetta Stone" <reply-dtc@rosettastone.com>
To: Bruce Garrett
Subject: Rosetta Stone Valentine’s Day OfferShare a new language journey this Valentine’s Day.

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From: PayPal
To: Bruce Garrett
Subject: Exclusively for you: Get 20% off this Valentine’s Day at 1-800-Flowers.com

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To: Bruce Garrett
From: “Radisson Hotels & Resorts”
Subject: Just in time for Valentine’s Day

Keep it simple, Cupid.

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(C) 2009 Radisson Hotels & Resorts. All Rights Reserved.

This is a post only email Please do not reply.
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To: Bruce Garrett
From: “FTD.com”
Subject: $19.99 – Fall in Love Again This Valentine’s Day

Make Her Fall In Love All Over Again. Dreamland Pink Bouquet. Starting at $19.99.

Supplies are limited.

This promotion cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Offer subject to change without notice.