The Years To Remember

This hangs in my office/work out room and seems even more appropriate this week. I'm walking more around the lake these days as the change of seasons is putting a damper on hiking. Annette joined me as we checked out the new town beach property. I'm getting better at organizing outings rather than waiting to be invited. Last week I decided to go for a walk at a local preserve and put it out to 5 friends. Two joined me and we had a nice chat and catch up while we walked five miles on a brisk but sunny afternoon. A very chunky goose. A stream at Vischer Ferry emptying into the Mohawk River. I organized an outing in 2 weeks to attend Night Woods over at The Mount near Stockbridge, Mass. I went 2 yrs ago and it seems they have expanded the experience. I can't wait to go!  I've finally gotten daughter to commit to a visit here from the 10th to the 23rd of December. I'm so excited that I get to actively take on the role of Mom again. We'll go see some lights displays,...

What a quiet and unremarkable week. I took the opportunity to evaluate, plan, and contemplate my home and the coming winter. I have sketched out a rough idea of a basement rearrangement into a Maker Space for myself. Between my tool area, sewing machine, and craft supplies spread all over the house, I think I can consolidate them all into a functional and welcoming space to carry out my projects. We'll see... My walks are growing rather dull and I look for anything of interest to photograph.  The days are getting so short, by the time I get to walk, the sun is near the horizon. The wildfire smoke is hazing the sky over the Catskills. Just an old barn I've passed hundreds of times. Just when I thought there would be no surprises on this walk, the full moon rose over the lake. The weather this week was warm enough for a couple of bike rides. Susan and I rode down in Columbia county for a challenging 28 miles in the wind on Monday. Susan at the Powell Patent in Kinderhook. Then I ...

 Tuesday A visit to my ENT showed the ear surgery did little to improve my hearing. Now a CT scan is scheduled before he decides if another surgery is warranted, or just a hearing aid.   I had a lunch date with a friend afterwards, where we commiserated about the state of our government and what the future holds. Neither of us is optimistic and we are both reluctant to watch any news - it is bleak. I told her about my solo bike ride yesterday in which I was just pissed off, and rode the trail aggressively, not wanting to give up my space to anyone. I called it rage riding. Most likely I resented the fact that I had to think about where I was riding, what time of day, how safe would I be, etc, etc. As a woman these are considerations I must address every time I go out solo and I AM SICK OF IT.  Then a guy rode up next to me asking about my bike. I just glared at him while thinking "Wrong day dude, wrong day." He rode away. I'm usually much nicer than that, but not tha...

 I've spent the past two days working outside as the weather has been warm. I painted the new section of deck and stairs after removing many of the boards just to make sure I could. Now I'm confident I can empty the hot tub and remove the access panel as needed without too much fuss. I planted a mock orange bush and a lilac in front of the deck and built a little border around each to hold the mulch. I used stone that was left from my garden bed that was sacrificed during construction, rather than buying something new. The goal is to encourage birds and insects to gather in the yard. I hesitate to add bird feeders because of the mess, but birds in winter are just joyful to look at. A Before and After look: Before: Not too welcoming and therefore under used. After: The grass is finally growing and my backyard oasis is finally coming together. I'll work on furniture and more plantings in spring. In doing garden cleanup, I was surprised to find life still going on in the garde...

 I am devastated by the outcome of the election as are all of my friends and millions of other Americans. Just not enough voting Americans. I fear for our country and what the election suggests that we stand for on the world stage. That anyone who is different, compassionate, or stands for the greater good, is not valued. That justice does not exist if you have enough money to throw around. That only some are entitled to health care, due process, dignity.  I don't know how to process this or move forward.  I am generally an optimist but for today I will be tending to my soul in my garden. That is about all I can manage.