Color Change, For the Birds, Henni

1. That point in time when summer fades and sea shells and sea glass coexist with pumpkins and mums.
1a. The change will be slower around our place. We still have some peaches to deal with, steaks to grill and Bocci Ball to be played.
2. In a town called Brosville, just this side of the Virginia/North Carolina border, there is a yard sign for "Birdhouses". I watch for it every time we drive by because they have the prettiest birdhouses on display. One day I'll stop...
3. Jack lies on the floor with Henri, chattering curiously over Henri's various doggie features. Nose, ears, tail, fur; it's all a delight to Jack. Henri rolls over onto his back for more pats.

A New Old Toy, Hard Working, A Different View

1. We had an indestructible slide stored in the weeds for years. It cleaned it up like new and we drove it to the grand kids' new house for their swing set. What other response should I have expected from a two-year-old other than, "Again! "Again!".
2. The guys worked hard to replace some windows and siding today. The humidity was at 95% and the temperature was 90°. You can imagine...and they never complained! I admire that.
3. The Halloween display at Lowe's with its orange lights, fire-filled pumpkin, and mechanical black cat fascinated the kids while their mother ran a quick errand. I'm re-honing my skills in The Art of Distraction. Singing a silly song, offering a cookie, or saying, "Oh look!" all serve the purpose. I have to remember that life slows way down for little ones. It's all about seeing things at their level. In doing so, I'm privileged to see things in a new perspective myself.

Starting the Day, Never Routine, Pre-Dawn

1. An elderly woman takes the newspaper from the box at the end of a farm driveway. Her gray hair is neatly bunned and covered in a prayer cap. Her cotton housecoat flutters in the breeze.
2. Asiago cheese rubbed with olive oil and rosemary, crackers, and sweet grapes are my favorite lunch.
3. The coyotes have been running just before dawn each day. They must run very fast because one minute I hear them in one field and the next, they sound very far away. After the coyotes fade away, a screech owl calls. The darkness makes it all sound much more mysterious.

He's Really Very Nice, Roadside, Peaches and More Peaches

1. According to my little kindergarten friend, our gym teacher's name is Mr. Bullier. Her mom corrected her and told her it's Mr. Bowyer, but little friend knows what she heard and still insists it's Bullier.
2. My prize from our walk tonight was a bunch of bright orange Bittersweet. It's really too early in the season for the hulls to be opening on the berries, but this vine had been cut by a mower, hence its premature ripening and a prize for me!.
3. Neighbor W. was making a peach (and plants) run to Saunders Brothers and asked if we wanted any peaches. I felt daring and told him to bring us a half bushel. Surely they won't go to waste when there are possibilities like peach jam and freezer space...and sharing.

From the Deep, Cake Bosses, Not 100% Yet

1. I had to stop the car to be sure of what I was seeing. It was a huge turtle and it looked as ancient as the earth itself. It carried the pond on its back with a shell as dark as deep water all coated with mud and algae.
2. She needed her cake to have a river of chocolate flowing over the top and down one side. (Think Willy Wonka.) On our second batch of chocolate glaze we got it to come out right. It was glossy and flowy just like a chocolate waterfall. We were pleased that the drips were drying to that effect without our even trying.
3. I'm thankful I could come straight home for a nap today.

If you have ever thought, as I have, "This is not the story I planned.", then I invite you to read the beautiful words of Kara Tippetts over here at Mundane Faithfulness.

Meandering, Perception, The Quiet Night

Black Walnut in Hull

 1. I ventured for a little walk this evening and picked up three things:
-A lone red leaf. I looked up to see where it might have blown down from. I sense autumn is just around the bend
-Queen Anne's Lace runs rampant in the field
-A newly fallen Black Walnut. It's the biggest one I've ever seen.
2. I looked beyond the vineyard to the Peaks of Otter in the distance. The mountains are still covered in the dense green forest of summer. In my mind's eye I see the trail and I imagine her walking, walking, walking...and I will never view these mountains the same way again.
2a. I heard on the news last week that the government has banned drones from the Appalachian Trail. I have to think about that, that such a thing is even necessary.
3. The humidity went away and the air is friendly tonight. There's not even the slightest breeze and it looks like the trees and leaves are holding their breath, waiting for something. I'm on the porch, watching and waiting, too. I feel like a sentry; a sentry for nightfall.
3a. And I wonder how a field full of chirping crickets is a quiet sound, but it is.