Trees and Sunrises

Yesterday morning part 1

This morning part 1

So I've walked most every morning this week.  And I love it.  And I've particularly loved the weather this week - in the 50's and 60's most mornings and days.

We spent last Saturday morning raking up leaves.  The cottonwoods, maples, tri-color beech and honey locusts aren't really great at coordinating their leaf drop so we have to do it multiples times.  And I jinxed things by saying we needed a good stiff wind to help the leaves blow off the trees (and if we're lucky into the neighbor's yard - just kidding, not really.)

Yesterday morning part 2

This morning part 2

So yesterday the wind began to blow, overnight and into this morning got even stronger.  Was surprised this morning when I left the house (yes, still dark outside and the full(ish) moon had already set) to see one of those black mesh utility trailers crosswise in the road in front of our house.  I think it belongs to the across-the-street neighbors and blew nearly into our yard overnight.  It was gone by the time I got home from my walk; maybe it blew away across the valley?

Lots of leaves under these.

The cottonwoods are almost done.

Anyway, the result of all that wind is that a majority of the leaves have fallen.  And lots and lots of pine needles from the evergreens in the back.  We have our work cut out for us for tomorrow.  Unless it's raining.  I'll happily help rake and clean up leaves in the dry, but not in the rain.  I so love our deciduous trees, even though it means lots of fall clean-up.  The crimson king maples are just lovely.  All year long they're such a dark crimson they look almost black.  But in the fall they turn the prettiest shade of gold.

And I'm just saying:  people disappoint.  Co-workers, relatives, friends - even complete strangers.  People disappoint.  It's a challenge to not let it get us down.  Especially when we see such selfishness and inconsiderate behavior.  And sometimes even downright mean-ness. I often wonder what Heavenly Father thinks.  Do we disappoint Him?  We must. And yet, His compassion and forgiveness is complete and immediate if we repent.  I wonder if I'll ever conquer those disappointing traits of mine.  And If I'll ever get better at overlooking the faults of others.  I'll probably be the first person to live multiple centuries waiting for me to get it right before my return to heaven.  :^)

Today I'm so grateful for so many things. I'm grateful for The Husband and his tender care of me.  The way he works so hard for us and is so unselfish in so many ways.  I'm grateful for the changing seasons.  I'm grateful for the beauty of the trees around us and the stunning morning skies.  I'm grateful for a home that feels - well, like home.  Where I'm comfortable and feel welcomed and wanted.  I'm grateful for examples (all around me) of charity and generosity and strength and wisdom.  I'm grateful for second chances.  And as always, for hope - the hope of forgiveness and better tomorrows, for hope for healthy bodies and fun in the future.