Yesterday was the FSU Student Memorial ceremony, which is usually held annually except during pandemics, so it was held in memory of two years worth of student losses. That number was near 30, which is abnormally high on average (more common is about five, for comparison). I heard tell that a considerable number were due to suicide, and I did not hear of anyone saying that any deaths were due to COVID. I don’t know either way, but 30 names is a lot of tragedy.
Which is to say it was a somber afternoon and, I think, a subconsciously distressing evening. For someone as intimately familiar with grief as I am, I find myself completely at a loss as to how to offer support to those new to it. Ai ai ai.
It was unsurprisingly a slow day off the mark, and we did not get out until 7 a.m., but that turned out to be fine because it was another unusually cool morning, just under 60°F! Very very pleasant! Keely took the lead over to Thomasville Rd., and actually crossed it to walk on the east side of the street. Me: ??????
But a dog wants what a dog wants, so we meandered around until she took us back to the homestead. Along the way I saw this gem and while it was not in good lighting, I remembered I took a photo of it last year. With a few edits and a couple of “how-to” GIMP tutorials I created this to highlight the adorable mini-building next to this office:
I assume it is not for fairies or gnomes but rather is hiding some utilties feature like a water main but then again, who’s to say? In any case it’s a whimsical little feature that I assume most people driving by on don’t ever notice! It’s right there at the intersection of Thomasville Rd. and Monroe St., so it is honestly hard to see if you are driving through the intersection. But there it is! I admire whomever decided to do that. The world needs more whimsy, especially given the tragedies that surround us every day.