Ode to October

Wherein we photographed the auroras (after the VH networking sesh which was wonderful, but also sensory overload for me), swoon worthy sunsets and sunrises.  Voted early.  Sugared up the little goblins.  The balloon guy flew by.  Had to get the brakes and rotors done on the car.   Tried two new recipes from NYT.  And we celebrated my 61st twirl around the sun with Indian food that my son bought.  He also gave me an adorable pair of cat socks. As we dive into the dark season that feels longer than it actually is (52 days until the daylight begins to lengthen), it's time for the LED candles, good books, yummy soups, cozy blankets, warm socks, fingerless gloves and fireplace-friday.

Note to self:  I took a moment before my morning commute to photograph the lake fog, and while I don't remember the rush of the day that followed, I remember only the stillness of that moment, the coolness of the air, and the nearby crow.  I must be diligent about balancing my workload with more moments of stillness, of sky watching and lake time.

Aurora as seen from our deck.

Aurora and big dipper over the lake.

 

Sunrise

 

 

 

Lake Fog

NYT Cauliflower, Potato & White Bean Soup

Eric Kim's PB Noodles

He was later joined by 2 paragliders

Early voting

October Skies

Represent

Ode to September

Wherein we got our updated Covid & Flu Vaccines, and the cub landed the job he's wanted since he 14 yo.  He loves working there, and he can walk there which is ideal given all his car troubles.  Major car repairs for both the cub and me ($450 and $950 respectively - ooof!)  Our clinic is expanding and I got one of my friends a job on our team.   Looking forward to the completion of our new building so we can all be working together.   Linen pajamas on clearance that are so wonderful, they could double as clothes.   Listening to Nat King Cole's 'Tis Autumn and this adorable song!  Missing the longer days.

Ode to August: Forward

Wherein we had a gorgeous rainbow; a tornado touch down in B'ville and subsequent tornado warning that sent us to the basement; tranquil moments at the lake; finished a 6 wk course (while working both a f/t and p/t job); reflected on my endurance over the last 5 years. Evenings on the deck are what's grounding me these days. Grateful to see a few meteors this month.  An unexpected shift in the workplace.  Also an elevation in the overall vibe. A beautiful postcard arrived from a dear friend! A new classical album, "Solos" by composer, Bryce Dessner, dropped, and I treated myself on iTunes. Despite this month being the anniversary of our family tragedy, there were moments of laughter. One of the best laughs was being called a "Flaming Liberal" by a pastor, at which I thanked him for the complement (I want that on a shirt). Feeling more hopeful about November, and the future in general. Forward!

and that's when I went inside

Evenings with Amelia Hummingbird

Portal

Petra

Birdmoss

The funniest excuse!

Ode to July: Beholding

There is a way of beholding nature which is a form of prayer, a way of minding something with such clarity and aliveness that the rest of the world recedes. - Diane Ackerman

Wherein there was grilled peach and burrata sandwiches, a visit from Amelia Earhart Hummingbird.  Swoon-worthy sunsets and Gochujang Potato.  And a moth party at the arboretum, and a much needed haircut. 

Grilled Peach & Burrata

Gochujang

Irish Cheddar & Honey Goat Cheese

Cinder casting spells