New Baby!

Our new granddaughter entered the world yesterday! She's this son's first child and our third grandchild. Once the dust has settled and they've recovered a bit, we'll head north for a visit, maybe on Monday. Joy, excitement, maybe a bit of trepidation, great hopes, absolute love. My daughter in law is a trooper, my son's going to be the best, most gentle and loving father, and I'm just so pleased with everything right now.

And...Boom! winter is over.

Well, maybe not COMPLETELY over, but certainly on hiatus. Within a couple of days, the temperature has shot back up to 11 and the snow is gone. I wore just a sweatshirt to walk the dog, and we saw roses blooming beautifully. Went out and raked leaves. Thinking about giving the lawn one last mow. This is crazy.

First Snowfall and Hygge

The first snowfall of the year, all day yesterday and continuing on into this morning. Thankfully, I have nowhere I need to go today. I'm on the couch with a good book (The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche), a mug of raspberry rosehip tea, the dog curled beside me warm against my leg, and the fireplace channel on TV. (Hubby keeps it too hot in the house to turn on the actual gas fire.) The house is quiet and everyone else is either asleep or already out the door. Ambience. Coziness. Hygge. Absolute perfection.

Feeling Fragile

Possibly broken toe. Pinched nerve in my back. Inflamed Achilles tendons. Arthritic knees. Both arms hurting from Covid and flu shots this week. Bursitis flaring up. Three spider bites. Cut my finger on a metal shelf. Afraid to move for fear of something else getting hurt or falling off.

A perfect excuse to flake out on the couch, watch a movie, and eat pancakes for supper!

Gotta love those silver linings.

Ushering in November with a volcano...

...called Krakatoa.

Sorry, my attempt at a pun. Started off the week by cracking a toe (I don't think it's broken. The swelling and bruising are improving already). So my prediction that the yardwork and harvest were completed and it was time to rest came true! All things have screeched to a halt, and I've been spending a ridiculous amount of time (a wonderful amount of time!) on the couch with a book. Or two or three.

Reread some Robin Pilcher, and now I'm reading The Booklover's Library. Two William Kent Kruegers lined up to follow that. Meanwhile, the leaves are piling up in the yard, but other than clearing the drainage ditches in the side yard, I'm trying not to think about it. I have managed to walk Brio, a bit slower than normal, because, you know, how can you say no to that little face? For some things, you just have to push through.