Fall Surprise

On this last night of November 2016 there is sadness and gratitude.  We are so grateful for the rains, but saddened by the destructive killing storms that came through our state last night.  We were lucky, a few tree limbs tossed about but  to our north and west there were many who were not so lucky.
We live in a beautiful state, but our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the dips in the Jet Stream create violent weather patterns in the spring and fall.  Yesterday it was almost 80 degrees, tomorrow highs in the 50's.

I thought because of the drought and the record breaking warm fall temps, our chance for a any color was lost.   I was wrong, there have been vivid pockets here and there.  Today after the rains passed and the sun came out I discovered a surprise as I walked the dogs.  I share with you the beauty of Mother Nature tonight.

Taz's Tree

I call it Taz's tree.  Ever since she came to live with us, she is fascinated by the hole at the base of this tree.  She is always sniffing and scratching around it.  Today, something new  must have spent some time  in that tiny little cave because when I took Taz for her walk, she dove into the space.  She was not a happy Yorkie as I picked her up and carried her barking away from her tree.  Who knows what was there or had been there.  I did not want to know.

RAIN

Rain, finally rain!  The wind has blown like crazy today and there was a risk for storms ( greater risk tomorrow night) but the rains came after I got home from work and it was wonderful...
You could smell the wood smoke when the drops began to fall but after about 30 minutes all you could smell was wet earth.

I know the earth gave a sigh of relief, you could hear it and feel it as the drops fell to the ground.
I am so grateful, so very grateful.  I hope the rest of the states that are dealing with the drought got rain as well.

With a heart full of gratitude, goodnight, sweet dreams

A Restful Sunday

Today we rested.  Rick and I have both been super busy for the past couple of months and I think the crash hit us yesterday.  We tried to do some Christmas shopping at the mall this afternoon and nothing clicked. After about thirty minutes we both agreed to go home, rest and try it again next week.  A long nap, black bean soup and some time with Jordan proved that home and rest was what we needed.

Rick has a busy week scheduled again and it seems  mine are always busy this time of year.
Thank goodness we have learned to listen to our bodies and we know you can't push 24/7.

The weather guys say rain is on its way.  I think they might be right this time, there is a dampness you can feel in the air...we are keeping our fingers crossed.  It is not a drought breaker but a few inches will help and maybe stop all the fires.  The smell of wood smoke is no longer something I enjoy.

The last few days of November, 2016 and then December will be here. Enjoy these moments, they will be gone before we know it.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Grateful

Our sun sets this week have taken my breath.  Everyday there is so much to be grateful for.
Hopes for a peaceful Sunday, a chance to catch up and get ready for the end of November and the arrival of December.

A Good Friday

The fridge is bulging with left-overs, the dishwasher has been on overtime and I am still a little bit tired, but Thanksgiving 2016 was a good one.

Our morning started with dense fog, but the sun came out around noon and soon the bird feeders looked like Target and Walmart on Black Friday.  We have three male Blue Jays that have become friends of sorts.  They actually feed and drink together, but then they sit up in the tree branches and make noise at each other.  The birds come in shifts, after the Jays leave, the smaller wrens and such come, then the Cardinals and finally the doves.  Our niece Andrea says our front yard always looks like a Disney movie, with the birds, squirrels, deer and other creatures who visit.

It has been a nice lazy day.  No, I do not shop on Black Friday.  I worked retail for years and I cannot bring myself to visit a mall or store on this day.

There is a beautiful sunset taking place as I type and a nice chill in the air.  We are having Chinese for dinner and then we begin our tradition of watching our old Christmas movies.  Usually we start with Christmas Vacation, but who knows what we will begin with tonight.  No decorations or Christmas music until December 1, but we have such a big collection of movies if we don't start tonight, we won't see all of them by Christmas.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,  stay safe and be well.

The Kindness of Today

Twenty friends and family members showed up for lunch today.  So much food, so much laughter, it was a very good Thanksgiving Day.  There was turkey and ham, dressing and veggies of every kind, sweet potato casserole, chocolate trifle and red velvet cake...I am stuffed.  Rick said my dressing ( stuffing) was as good my mom's.  I am sure she was smiling.  Where ever you are, what ever you are doing tonight, I hope your day has been a good one  May the kindness of today continue tomorrow.