A Bit Of Snow

Yesterday morning

And the world looks lovely.  The air is crisp and clean and it feels like winter.  Yesterday on my way to the grocery I had to take a side trip to capture the beauty of the fresh snow on the hillside.  Too bad I couldn't have caught the faraway mountains to the south through the canyon, they are equally stunning.

After two days on the treadmill I managed to get out on the trail this morning.  I came home with multiple shots of the Christmas lights through the park and all kinds of other fun sunrise vistas.  Of course I overdid it yesterday on the treadmill and other errands so my foot is bothering me.  But my head and heart are happier for being out.  I didn't even take my iPod to listen to music, just spent the time praying and thinking and watching the birds and immersing myself in the dawn.  I loved the trees (that lined the walkway in the park) whose trunks had been light-wrapped.  What a way to welcome someone to the park.

Row of lit trees.

This morning

The Husband and I are hopeless lately when it comes to gifts for each other.  We both have everything (and more) that we need.  We are subscribing to my philosophy that we ought to be content (I truly believe that Heavenly Father wants that for us in lots of areas) - consequently we don't really want for a thing.  It'll be a low-key Christmas for sure.  I did manage to scoot over to Ikea and pick up a small (super small) something for him.  Hopefully I'll receive some brilliant inspiration for a gift for him between now and the big day.

And I liked this article.  Enjoy.  Family Motto  It seems like the "paper" (the virtual one on my iPad) is full of thoughtful things to read.  I particularly enjoyed this one because I liked what they finally decided on for their family motto.

I'm so glad Christmas is on Sunday this year.  We'll go take the Sacrament at church then come home, there'll be no fuss and bother, we'll focus on the reason we celebrate and if we're lucky we might be able to see some of the grandkids.  It somehow seems fitting for Christmas to be on the Sabbath.

And sometimes you just have to go out on the front porch and scream your lungs out.  It creates instant laughter which equals a bit of de-stressing.  Just the thing for today.

I'm so grateful for the beauty of this world.  For Heavenly Father's plan for us.  For being so abundantly blessed that we really don't need a thing. For library books delivered to my hands.  For enough grocery funds.  And for something to look forward to.

A New Week

It's Monday and it's nice to feel like Monday - the holiday on Thursday really messed with my head. And I'm still smiling inside my head every time I think about our little grandson and how he greeted me when they arrived on Thursday.  He literally lunged for me.  And then wrapped his little arms around my neck and squeezed.  Melting heart...yup.  And I loved it.

We had some friends over for dinner the other night and had such a delightful time.  We generally go out with them - but I couldn't face the post-Thanksgiving crowds.  It was low key and lovely to just sit and chat for a couple hours.

And we had a nice weekend overall - relationships can be hard and I think people should at least pretend they want to be here.  We got Christmas up, cleaned some in the basement.  Rotated our mattress (which we rotated back this morning because I ended up on the couch, couldn't sleep, body aches).  The Husband's only outdoor Christmas decorations went up (they are lights that shine on a tree, when the wind blows (as it usually does here in Draper) it looks like the lights are twinkling) and he loves them.  Makes me happy that something makes him happy.

Sunday came and went, my Sunday School class was ok although it never seems to go quite as I envision when I plan the lesson/discussion.  We've managed to make some inroads on Christmas gifts, though we're spending less this year and trying to get stuff that won't cost an arm and leg to ship to the geographically distant loved ones.  Everyone already has lots of stuff, more really than any of us needs.

Time for a new Swiffer, love it!

And I was glad I went to Target today.  Unbeknownst to me (is it because I no longer get the newspaper?  sigh....) there was a Holiday Shopping Discount of 15% applied to each shopper's total. I picked up a couple towels to donate to a shelter, telling myself it wasn't much, it'd be absorbed into the budget and be fine.  The discount total was more than the cost of the towels.  Made me glad I'd tossed them into the cart.  It was time for a new Swiffer.  I bought my first  one before we moved into this house, and we've been here 15 years.  I use it pretty much every day, it's perfect for the tile throughout our kitchen/hall.  How delightful to have a new one.

And today I'm grateful for friends that seem to enjoy spending time with us. We so love them.  I'm grateful for moisture that makes it seem like winter is finally here, we need it!  I'm grateful for a treadmill that enables me to get some walking done inside when the weather is frightful outside (avoiding a broken hip/foot/leg this way) and a book to read whilst I'm walking.  I'm grateful for a husband who isn't afraid to work hard for us. Who provides for us in such a generous way.  And for warm socks.

In My Head

• I've been putting up the Christmas tree (and what few other decorations I do) today.  So I've been thinking.  A lot.  November always puts me more in a thankful frame of mind, though I try to be that way always.

New blooms soon.

I read something the other day where a woman was talking about all the things she's grateful for.  She included all the hard things, her trials and challenges.  The inference was that they help her grow and learn.  With that perspective, I should also be grateful for difficulties.  Including people.  Sometimes even the people you love (and hope they'll reciprocate that love) are hard.  Especially when it is made clear that others are (to them) the bigger priority - over and over.  The heart-hurting part is the little ones who observe and learn that some relationships and people are, well, unimportant and of no value (when maybe they should be important, too).  Yeah, that's a challenge that's hard to feel gratitude for.

• We watched a couple episodes of a much hyped tv show last night.  Yup, it's quite interesting.  But I'm still kind of shaking my head over some of the content.  It is billed as a totally family friendly show.  And this is a partial list what was included: much smoking and drinking by teens, tons of swearing (even by kids in front of their parents), teens making out in school bathrooms (really?), kids skipping school, kids lying to parents about where they're going and with whom.  I'm really on the fence about this show.  It was recommended to us by some friends in church.  I wonder if they've actually seen any of the show - or are just going by what their kids are saying about it.  We'll see if my opinion changes.

Christmas cactus blossoms.

• The Christmas cactus The Husband was given (actually both of them) are doing well.  He's got a natural ability with picky plants. The blooms are so pretty and maybe, a bit odd at the same time. I'm thrilled to see a new bloom stem poking up on one of my orchids.  I love that they keep blooming for me.  My natural ability is with plants that thrive in spite of me.

• And I came across this sign in the store the other day - I think it should be ok for me to be fat and jolly all year long.

I'm grateful for trying something new (for my own sake, and it's about time) and have it work out well enough that it will be repeated.  I'm grateful for thoughtful relatives that bring pie (homemade!) even when they don't have to.  I'm grateful for hugs that help calm an aching heart.  I'm grateful for afternoon walks in the lovely coolness of late November.  I'm grateful for ordered items that arrive on time and in gift-giving shape. For gift ideas that seem just right (in size, appropriateness and cost). And I'm grateful for today's slightly lessened stress level.

Almost Thanksgiving

And I think it's better to find ways to be thankful every single day.  I try, anyway.

This morning's walk was so pretty - cool but not cold, I spent some time in prayer and then just enjoyed the quiet (even forgot to listen to my iPod), I had the trail pretty much to myself.  I loved the way the cloud was nestled low on the south mountain area of our part of the valley.

It was a lovely morning for a walk.

We're having some friends over for dinner on Friday.  Had to run to Costco for the meat.  Am still not fond of the crowds, they give me the heebie-jeebies.  But, I was single-mindedly headed for the back of the store when I heard my name called.  Turned and after a second or two recognized a friend I haven't seen for probably 6 years or so.  It was a delightful surprise and I am so glad that he called out to me.  (In actuality, I'm surprised he recognized my aging self.) We chatted for probably 20 minutes, moving our carts several times because of all the people there that were truly shopping and not merely talking.

I am a teensy bit anxious about our new Thanksgiving tradition.  I hope it all works out, everyone comes, everyone gets along, and I can manage to keep myself together.  Watching tv last night was therapeutic for me - it was mentioned on a show that all across the country families are gathering to share an uncomfortable dinner together.  That's what we do on Thanksgiving, be uncomfortable together.  Yeah, that hard laugh was definitely therapeutic.

Today I'm thankful for a new tradition. For inspiration from unlikely and unexpected sources.  For long-ago friends that notice you and call out so you can connect for a few minutes.  For my morning walks that keep me grounded, centered and aware of the beauty around us.  For shoes that help my feet and for hope that my feet will be pain-free at some future time.

Another Weekend Bites The Dust

The weekend just went too fast. I can't even remember what we did on Friday.  I just know I'm being careful and diligent wearing my boot, trying to heal whatever it is that is going on with it. Though I do remember we went to a wedding reception friday night.  The day before the wedding.  It strikes me a bit odd that the reception happens before the wedding - what if one of them got cold feet and backed out at the altar?  I'm just saying....  It happens.

Since I'm not a fan of frosting on cake - which I ate at the reception to be kind - we treated ourselves to Culver's frozen custard on the way home.  I saw this sign on the wall and was quite taken with it. I've conquered many an item with my spoon!

Saturday I was invited to spend a minute vacuuming for a friend - she's sold her house.  It was a tender experience to sit and visit for a while after vacuuming.  I'm concerned about not seeing her enough since she's moving all the way downtown.  I'll have to be more dedicated about calling her and doing my part to keep in touch, she's important to me.

Friday morning sunrise on the mountains across the valley.  Lovely

Saturday afternoon we were treated to the movie "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them".  Our house builder's realtor wife purchased all the seats in the theater and we were lucky recipients of her generosity.  After a bit of introspection I think I've decided that I'm not really the target audience for fantasy (or science fiction).  (And maybe my mood had something to do with it.)  I didn't quite get to the point of enjoying the movie (found myself looking at my watch multiple times to see how much longer before it was over.  Not a good sign.) though it was nice to be out doing something fun.  And I didn't even have to fix dinner - YAY!

Yesterday was ward conference.  I was chatting with a friend/former Stake President and just point blank asked him what the purpose of ward conference was.  We verbally sorted through the possible reasons but his bottom line was he didn't really know.  But it's still good to be obedient.

Yesterday The Husband had three meetings in addition to our regular ward 3-hour block, two home teaching appointments and our home teachers visit.  He was tired.  And since he's not a fan of meetings on general principles (so many of his work meetings are unproductive) he was a trouper and didn't even complain about missing lunch. :^)

And we're finally getting some much need rain.  I've the tv on in the background at this moment, and the weather gal is calling it a gloomy Monday.  I think it's lovely.  I'm always so grateful for moisture that nourishes our world.

And I liked this article - he often writes things that resonate with me.

How To Live The Good Life

I'm grateful for a few minutes to clean out a garden in the crisp coolness of the morning.  I always dread the yard work though I know it always fills me with such a sense of accomplishment, even when the job is small.  I'm grateful to have that little job done.  I'm grateful for the growth and learning I've experienced this last year teaching Sunday School, but also grateful that it'll be over in a few weeks - they've someone else to do it for next year.  And grateful that the Bishop listened to me when I explained why it was time for a replacement.  I'm grateful for kind friends that include me in their lives.  And I'm grateful for a husband who seems as fond of hugs as I am.

First Snow Of The Season

It's later than usual, and not very deep,  but there's finally snow on the ground.  Our water situation here is dismal.  We need the moisture.  And though there's leaves still on some of the trees (and underneath that thin layer of snow) I'm loving the beauty and hope in today.

Came across this article this morning, well worth a few minutes of time to read it.  Need to Belong  She captures accurately a lot of feelings I've had throughout my life, even to today.

I'm grateful this morning for the snow, for my treadmill when the trail is slippery with moisture. For articulate people who provoke thought (and hopefully change).  And for the hope for fun.

One Of Those Days?

Setting SuperMoon

Yesterday was one of those days, you know?  The ones that leave you tired and whiny.  Things that should have been enjoyable, well...weren't quite.  I ended up having a teensy cry party.  Didn't last long.  But it was enough I guess that it left me drained.  I dislike crying.  I dislike feeling "less than".

Then first thing this morning, I received a call from a dear sister in the ward.  Answering a question I had emailed her.  My conversation with her turned my whole heart around.  It only takes one person. It only takes a few minutes.  It only takes one act of care, concern or love.  And my whole attitude was lighter.  I'm so glad she picked up her phone and called me.

Yep, it's really the moon, to the left of the bottom tree branch.

I've seen pictures of Monday's "super moon"in other geographic areas.  It was much hyped - and anticipated by those in our home.  We love the skies, the beauty we see there.  I went for my walk at the moon-set and was underwhelmed.  We've seen bigger more colorful moons this summer.  Wish it had been as lovely here as it was elsewhere. Though that didn't stop me from taking a bunch of pictures, hoping for something stunning. (The quantity overbalanced the quality.)

Walked out from the grocery and noticed a woman and her baby, and wondered what that odd noise was I was hearing.  The toddler (looked like she was about 3) was clumping along in her Mom's peep-toe dress wedge shoes. Several inches were between her little feet and the heel of the shoe.  Too cute.  I did a mental hat-tip to the Mom for letting her daughter feel beautiful at the grocery.

I'm grateful today for someone that took the time to reach out to me and wrap her kindness around my heart.  It was much needed.  I'm grateful for ideas for Christmas gifts for loved ones (I'm pretty brain-dead in that arena these days).  I'm grateful for the hope of moisture from the skies, we've been so dry we've had to water the trees and shrubs. I'm grateful for hot chocolate. And for thoughtful people.

Thought Provoking Article

Faithful In Spite Of Unkindness 

I hope to ever be aware of others feelings, heaven knows we've all been the recipient of unkindnesses of others, even publicly.

A Busy Saturday

Embarrassingly dirty

I still think I haven't had enough fun in my life.  And I'm working on having a bit more of it.  In the meantime, there's stuff to do.  Sometimes it can feel like almost too much to do.  It is rare that we have an unencumbered Saturday.  Yesterday was one of those.

Not perfect, but better.

After a quick breakfast we headed outside.  It was such a lovely day - low 60's, a bit of a breeze, lots of sunshine and we were together.  (No matter how much together time we have, for me personally, it's never enough.)  The Husband began the labor-intensive chore of gathering more leaves.  I decided to give a couple windows a lick-and-a-promise cleaning to last until we can get someone out here.

Leftover robin nest

The first window picture almost but not quite captures the dismal view through the crust of dirt. I had a pail of warm soapy water, a long handled car wash brush, a ladder and a hose for rinsing.  Took me all of about 20 minutes to mostly de-grime the bay window, the family room view and the doors out to the patio.  The results are clear.  It was definitely a productive 20 minutes. There are windows we can't reach and will have to call in the professionals.  For now, I'll enjoy the better view of our backyard.

The Husband needed some help.  He'd swept up a bunch of leaves with the lawnmower / sweeper. Now we had huge piles again.  After some extended bending and lifting, we've 4 more bags and a whole garbage bin full of leaves to be carted off.  I went down in the "amphitheater" (our affectionate name for the outside of our  windowed stairwell and raked and filled and raked and filled some more. It looks so much better! Surely I'll be out there again when the tree-limbs are bare.  The good news? I didn't see a single snake, though I definitely was on the lookout.

Happy geraniums.

Since we'd worked so hard, we rewarded ourselves with popcorn accompanied by a movie.  Even though it was another sci-fi, it was tolerable with the refreshments.  A "quick trip" to Costco for meat for dinner ended up taking us an hour because we kept running in to people we know, some we hadn't seen in a while which made for a grand reunion.  Our cart ended up fuller than we'd intended, extending the time spent in the store caused it to acquire a few more purchases.

I'm grateful for a Saturday that feels productive.  For the little tiny contributions I'm able to make that minutely lessen The Husband's burden.  I'm grateful for plenty of ibuprofen for my aching back.  For geraniums that haven't yet figured out that it's fall-almost-winter.  For leafless branches that reveal our empty robin's nest from the spring, love the tiny hope-filled scenes of nature. And for hope (I hope for lots of things....)

Music for Every Single soul

I remembered watching this a couple months ago.  Then someone shared this story with me.  And I'm sharing with whoever reads this.  The song is only about 4 1/2 minutes long, in my mind four and a half worthwhile minutes.

We've seen the King's Singers several times with the Utah Symphony, they've always been a favorite of mine.  And yes, they still are.  Enjoy.

King's Singers Primary Medley

A Great Article

I was so taken by this article that I pulled the pages from my magazine to share with The Husband. Thankfully, it has shown up on the website so I can link to it.

I love the fact that we can help/serve others.  I've often felt there's a conflict between helping and overstepping our bounds.  I witnessed this a few weeks ago, someone needed and wanted to serve someone else.  Her offer made him feel inadequate and "less than".  She never caught on. And as an observer I was pained.

We recently had a lesson in R. S. about service and the comment was repeated (as it always is) that the way to serve isn't to offer, but to just go and do it (whatever the service is).  Yes, there is merit to that, and often it is heartwarming to the recipient.  But, and this is a big but, sometimes in our zeal to serve / help we get carried away with our own goals/thoughts/needs and forget that there's a real person with real feelings on the recipient end of things. And that person is totally different, in  a different place and going through different things than we are.

Considering how ugly the past months of political campaigning have been, and that I (mistakenly) thought would be over when the election was done, there's still work to do on all fronts:  being kind, allowing others their agency, retaining our civility towards others and not demanding/expecting others to be/react as we assume they're going to.

Going forward, I hope to be better at serving.  Once again, in some ways it comes back to that "seflish" thing.  I'd rather be selfless.  It's a long road.

How 1 Conversation Forever Changed This Woman’s Perspective on Volunteering

I'm grateful for those who can articulate things that uplift us.  For words of hope and kindness, that encircle our hearts in a warm embrace.

Garbage Day Again

Only 3 more (for now) to go.

And the garbage men not only emptied the bins thoroughly this morning, The Husband did a teensy speck of cheating and filled the bins again and rolled them across the street to be dumped a second time.  That means we only have 3 bags of leaves left!  At least for the moment. The beeches, honeylocusts and maples are beginning to lose a few leaves at a time.  I've stocked up on bags for them. It's mid to upper 60's out and nearly the middle of November.  It's time for fall/winter. I hope we get some moisture from the skies pretty soon.

Lovely day for the trail.

We were up quite late watching the election coverage.  Which meant when the sun rose I wasn't ready to get out of bed, strange for me.  Long about 10:30, though I was feeling batty in my head.  Restless. Anxious.  So I headed over to the library.  Returned a book, came home with three in my nifty birthday backpack.  The trail was beautiful.  The weather lovely.  My mood?  Not much improved. There's a reason I slide out of bed, into my clothes and on the trail in the pre-dawn hours.  I'm simply better in the morning.  And while the walk was good, I trudged home feeling hot, tired and annoyed with those people who don't understand that the trail is mine.  All mine.

Today I'm most grateful that the election is over.  I'm weary of it all.  (Slightly terrified for our future, because frankly, neither candidate was a good choice.)  I'm grateful The Husband's schedule cleared enough that we could do a rare lunch out.  Even Stevens does a great Cuban Sandwich, and a great Reuben.  (We need to learn that half a sandwich is plenty for each of us.  We keep forgetting that we can share.)  I'm grateful for those who forgive me - no matter what I've done. Their hearts are such examples to me of kindness.  And if I'm lucky, there's only 6 more lessons to teach in Sunday School. For which I am really grateful.

Good Words, Wise Words, Words to Follow

“If ye love me, keep my commandments,” Jesus said. So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can’t quit and we can’t go back.  --Jeffrey R. Holland.

Tuesdays Thoughts

So, the weekend was ok.  The play was sad (as expected).  I'm clearly not an expert on good literature (in this case literature in the form of a play).  I simply don't understand why this sadness is so well-regarded, so popular, or even what the author/playwright hoped to accomplish when he penned it.  But it was an enjoyable enough evening with our friends.

The meetings on Saturday and Sunday for Stake Conference ended up being fine.  It meant that by the time the yardwork was done there was no time for fun before the meetings.  I'm always on the lookout for a bit more fun.

Closed due to arson.

My foot is still bothering me.  I somehow thought if I put the boot back on and was careful for a day or two it would be all better!  Silly, yes.  But hope springs eternal and all that.  I've managed to go for an abbreviated (and w-a-y slower) walk the last two mornings without causing further damage.  In fact, my foot really is marginally better. And my mental state is much improved for having been out in the cool morning sunrise.

Was a bit discouraged to see this sign on the front of the public restroom over at the park - both the men's and women's.  I don't like to see stuff like this happening.

Yep, that'd be me.

And I came across this shirt in a catalog the other day - might have to find one (though I don't usually wear t-shirts, but I can always wear it to bed!).

And the best part of this Tuesday?  It's election day.  All the madness - and viciousness, foul behavior and the rest of the garbage that has accompanied this election - will be over. I fear for our country no matter who ends up being president.  It's sad when there isn't any good candidate.

But I'm grateful that we live in this country in spite of its problems.  I'm grateful for the end of daylight saving time (had a discussion the other day with an acquaintance - she loves daylight saving for multiple reasons.  And she wasn't happy with me when I said I didn't understand why we had to muck with the way Heavenly Father made things and that I thought we shouldn't presume to improve on His creation.  I wasn't meaning to be pompous (like she thought I was) or anything like that, it's just the way I feel.)  The end of daylight saving time means that after dinner, it's after 6 p.m. and it's dark outside so it's perfectly appropriate for me to get in my jammies.  I love being in my jammies.  I'm grateful for food in the fridge and pantry, for a meeting free Saturday (hopefully some fun there) for someone who agreed to help with my Sunday School class on Sunday.  And for new glasses. (They're totally different - I'm not quite sure if I like them or not, but it's always such a luxurious treat to get something new.)

I'm grateful for hope.

Hope for a Great Weekend

Though it'll be busy for us.

Received a call last night from a friend.  They invited us to go to a play with them tonight. And I was a bit nonplussed. For years we bought extra tickets when we went to the symphony or Hale Theatre. Those extra tickets were used to invite someone along.  We had a great time. So we've been accustomed to inviting someone along with us.  This is the very first time that I can remember that we've been invited to go along with someone else.  And while the play isn't necessarily one I would choose, I'm delighted to be invited to spend the evening with some people we respect and like. We haven't ever been out with them before, though they've always treated us with such kindness.  I'm looking forward to it, albeit with a bit of trepidation.    (And even though the timing would suggest that someone else had already been invited and had to back out, I'm still grateful they thought of us.)

I'd never call this fashionable.

And I've put my boot on.  For a couple weeks I've had quite a bit of pain in my foot when I walk. Last night when we popped over to Harmon's for a post-dinner gelato I could hardly walk the pain was so bad.  I'm pretty sure the doctor would say it's a stress fracture.  So, I'm trying out the boot thing on my own.  I figure if I try it for a week or two and feel some improvement, then I've saved myself an office visit with the accompanying x-rays.  I really hate the boot.  But I'm tired of the pain.

And since I'm back in the boot I'm not out on the trail in the morning.  That morning walk is more for my head / mind / spirit than it is for my body.  It really does keep me grounded.  But I can't NOT do something to move this body.  So I headed to the basement and the elliptical this morning.  So not my favorite, even though it is a luxury to have one in our own home for my use whenever I choose. I can plant my foot flat on the pedal and go round and round without ever moving it and it does provide some exercise, though without the visual of the sunrise and the intake of the fresh air.

This weekend is Stake Conference.  Saturday will require 4 hours of meetings for The Husband.  (And he's so very fond of meetings--not.) Two hours of meetings for me and then another two hours of meetings on Sunday.  There's an additional two hour meeting in the afternoon on Sunday but I'm thinking The Husband might not have to go to that one.

And around all those meetings there's the lawn to be mowed, more leaves to remove, the indoor chores and a Costco run.  I think something will have to be postponed for now.

The good news?  The driveway sealing looks to be good.  And a good investment for us.  The window guy will be out on Monday to take a look at the double pane window that is leaking between the panes and fixing the plastic surround that's broken on a couple of other windows.  Little by little we manage to knock out the maintenance things.  But the house is 15 years old now and needs more.  If we can manage to stay just one step ahead (and not go broke in the process) we'll be in good shape.

I noticed on our drive to the grocery last night after dark that a few houses already have their Christmas trees up and glowing.  I dread the holidays this year.  I'm just tired.  Of the brainpower required to get the appropriate gifts for others, of the commercialism, of the expectations and yes, sometimes there's even drama.  Don't like drama.  Will avoid it at all costs.  I'm sticking to my plans and not putting up the tree until after Thanksgiving.

I'm grateful today that I had a boot in my closet, I hope it helps my foot.  I don't know how other people with chronic pain, especially foot pain, keep their chins up.  They have my admiration.  I'm grateful for invitations to go out with those we'd like to call friends.  For a washing machine that hasn't died quite yet.  For chocolate milk.  And for hope that things not only can but will improve.

Garbage Day

We pay for two large garbage bins.  There's only three of us living here full-time and another person half-time (so I guess he counts for half a person). Two bins should be adequate, right?  And generally they are.  Until it gets to be fall (and spring) clean-up time.  We have all those bags of leaves.  We have to put them in on top of the regular garbage.  The Husband went to bring up the bins from the street after they'd been emptied.  Supposedly emptied.  Only half the unbagged leaves came out of the bin. :^(  And the other bin still had a bag of household trash inside.  Sigh... maybe we should have a bonfire??

I loved this page on my calendar when I turned over to November.  I love calm.  And peace.  It's nice to know other people respond well to that kind of atmosphere, too.

It wasn't really light enough this morning to truly capture the gorgeous color of this tree.  All by itself out along the trail.  I love those yellow leaves. And I can hardly wait for Sunday when we "turn off" that blasted Daylight Saving Time.  Yes, where that's concerned:  I'm a hater.

And the clouds nestled among the mountains (aren't they gorgeous?)? I stopped on the way home from the grocery yesterday for that picture.  We do live in a beautiful world.

I came across this quote this morning - attributed to Mother Teresa.  I really like this.  But I think I might add that if we are truly faithful to our Heavenly Father, then we are successful.  Perhaps not monetarily (and maybe that's what she had in mind when she said this - if she indeed did say this) but I believe our faithfulness definitely makes us a success in the eyes of Heavenly Father. I want to be faithful.  Even when I'm frustrated by the actions (or inactions or manipulations) of others, when feelings are hurt, when I want to lash out.  I still, really, want to be faithful.

God didn't call me to be successful, He called me to be faithful.

Mother Teresa

I'm grateful today for repair kits for leaky (annoyingly so) toilets.  And actually, for indoor toilets. For leftover crockpot soup for dinner (yay, no cooking, only re-heating).  For texted pictures of grandchilluns.  For gloves and earmuffs for my morning walks at 30 degrees.  And for shared pastry treats.