Torch Bearers

Greeters

Today was one of those Fridays that I couldn’t wait to end. An early morning trip to the flower market was suddenly aborted when I realized I’d left my iPhone in the cab I’d taken there from Union Station. Happily, after an impromptu jog from the mart back to the station, the phone was found in the cab’s backseat where I’d left it: lucky me! But that bit of lunacy set the day off on a bad course and petty mishaps started piling up. Not so petty, I’d completely forgotten that today was Paul’s birthday: loser me! Graciously accepting an apologetic call, Paul handled my lapse with aplomb … after 30-plus years we don’t really do much for each other’s birthdays, but still. Mercifully, the day finally ended and I made it home again. It was still light out and we decided to spend the birthday right here. Why rush out again, and leave the aloes in birthday bloom at the front door?

Rushin'

Aloes street-side have put on a boisterous display of birthday fireworks. Bristling with color, they seem to be in a rush to join the party.

Salutations

Offering a more stately — and golden — salute to the birthday guy, these aloes have risen to the occasion from their base in the built-in bed.

Complementary

Tiger striped leaves and tubular blooms in deep coral blush, this shy little aloe tries to blend in with a tomato red pot. This particular aloe has never bloomed before; perfect party timing!

Happy birthday!

Enjoying all the birthday attention in the garden, Paul is joined by those who look up to him with squirmy and undivided fervor: Frito and Inky. Paul’s 67 years-old today, which for me is hard to believe; seeing his smile and hearing him say how happy being in our garden makes him causes all the day’s craziness to fade away.

Happy birthday, Paul! We love you.