It's been raining for days here in Switzerland. It's a cold heaviness that settles over the body like a wet wool sweater that won't dry out. It reminds me of the winters in the West Virginia valley where I grew up. I remember the way a river can control the weather. This afternoon I force…

This morning I took the number 9 tram from our apartment and over the city bridge to find a nursery where I could buy a few herbs or some plants to put in our window box. The store was small and was a hybrid florist/garden supply/home decor place. Outside on the street there were lovely…