A few thoughts and lots of shots

I love having the house to myself first thing in the morning. I resent it when no one else but me gets up and at 'em in the morning. It's complicated.

I wish I could stop and take pictures every time I see something that catches my eye – which is often.

It is a pleasant revelation that from a few days' perspective, having an awful birthday is really no big deal.

Believers don't need to be reminded to pray. Non-believers don't appreciate being told to pray.

That's it for today from . . .

Upon entering my double-nickel year

I just learned from Francis' blog that today is World Kindness Day. Sounds like a good thing in which to participate. Not that I ever try to be unkind, but according to a *few* people, I often come across that way. Sigh; the dance of diplomacy is exhausting....

Anyway, there is beauty all around (and, happily, under me again). The flowering cherry is starting to turn, framed by oak leaves below and still-green leaves on either side:

The Japanese maples in front of our porch are showing off,

and framing the headliner of the fall show beyond them:

Still glorious!

There's also more subtle beauty to be found, if you look down:

That's it for today from . . .

Sure stressors

That would be neighboring chainsaws and teenage churlishness. Both have been grinding away.

So much for a "screen." This is the view due north of our house today (in rapidly changing light), through the few trees that remain. After they've been limbed up, they screen little more than scattered telephone poles would. :-(

Look away; look away. To a hard-working man who is cleaning gutters (and a teen who is supposed to be inside working on school),

to fall colors still brightening the near landscape.

We have many blessings. I keep reminding myself that the downers are First World problems; things could be far worse.

That's it for today from . . .

Sweater weather

Today has been decidedly nippy, with a brisk wind. The fire in the woodstove feels good, as does something hot in my mug. I think Dicey is glad I caved!

Can't knit fast enough at . . .