Wednesday, 12 October 2022
Most of the day was windy and overcast, with spitting rain. Then, a miracle—sunshine as I was beginning to fix dinner. No, it didn’t last, yet it brought a glow to the evening.
When I walk or drive through this alley, I enjoy it every time. The yellow-golds are now (mostly) ascendant.
Tuesday, 11 October 2022
Today was the second down-and-back trip of the summer. Usually, we go years without any. By down, I mean crossing the bridge and returning in a single day.
Our trek began with fogginess here and there. Then we got to a Great Lake (this time: Michigan), and pfft, no more fog. The blues were especially clear.
All objectives accomplished. Grade: superlative.
Sunday, 9 October 2022
The solar news is that despite temps maxing in the low 50s, we had enough sun that the porch was warm warm warm, so I opened it to let the heated air into the cottage. All yay.
Now, it’s dark, and the full moonlight is streaming into the eastern windows and we are lit again. Very happily. Even though it’s without toastiness.
Saturday, 8 October 2022
Definitely not a beach day. Temps began about 34°F, and got up to all of perhaps 51°F when the sun was out mid- to late-afternoon…complete with clouds and breezes. Still, we celebrated mint-choc chip ice cream and low-carb choc-chip cookies (with no wheat flour), the latter courtesy of our fine baker-neighbor.
Sunday, 2 October 2022
Does this look like a shrine? It is not meant to be a shrine. It did not begin as a shrine.
Also: when was the last time you saw a boom-box in action?
Beautiful autumn day, with some outdoor chores, and a fine evening meal. Lucky us.
Also: news from the garden across the road…we have moved past the fence electrification season. This means the critters can access the maize and whatever they crave, without getting a buzz on.
Friday, 30 September 2022
Some time ago I decided that land management issues (read vegetation) would improve if I had a motorized scythe. Either that or a small tractor-and-bush-hog, and the latter is just too much equipment. Instead, I ordered a Super-Duper Trimmer. It came with a large-diameter string option, and two metal blades, one for tough grasses, and one with saw-teeth for woody brush. Our problem is robust-stemmed grasses. Mostly. And so: The Beast, with a metal blade. I finally got it to start today. You’d think: brand new—first pull. Not with my luck.
It is a beast. It does the job. The harness distributes the weight very well, and pfft: new tool. A fine calorie-burner. Set feet, swing shaft-and-blade to cut. Swing back, set feet anew. Repeat.
Not so happy that’s it’s a two-stroke, but the next-door neighbor fixes and maintains all types of motorized equipment, so I can pawn off maintenance on him and his crew. Yay on that.
Like the pink handkerchief sun valence? A fashion touch….
Thursday, 29 September 2022
While the weather is torturing Florida, here the sun arrived after a cool, clear, and brr cold night. It’s a weather upturn, good times for a while. And this barberry branch, down on the bottom of the plant, is sporting fall colors, while the rest is still in late summer mode.
The overnight cold was low enough that the roof of the garage (and probably the cottage) had a thin layer of frost, although the lawn was still green and untouched. Prediction is for a lovely weekend. We are lucky to be here. Outdoor chores await? What to begin with? Hmm?
Wednesday, 28 September 2022
I get seduced by the color shifts as time goes along in, especially, the maples. Despite this sky, we had some bright sunshine periods today. Just delightful. [Ignore the obvious keystoning effects; that’s lens distortion on buildings that are actually very aligned.]
Monday, 26 September 2022
Do I pick flowers, close-up? With the lovely name pearly everlasting?
Or do I pick the maple branch that has changed while its brethern are still green?
Wimpy me. I can’t choose. You get both.
Friday, 23 September 2022
Today was another morning I was seduced by the combo of ground fog and bright sun, plus a bonus blue, blue sky. So glad to have this trio as there’ll be rain for the next three-four days, according to my app. Can’t say the garden really needs it, as we’re (sadly) moving into the waning days of garden production. Last night was cold, at least in the 30s, and I’m sure there was frost here and there, but not in this spot. [Spatial] Variability reigns…until it doesn’t.