We live in a college town in the Appalachian mountains. Our town’s population doubles when classes are in session, and swells again when there’s a football game. It is Homecoming this weekend. There was a parade last night, which we avoided downtown because of, and the football game is today at 3pm. I debated whether … Continue reading Orange blush
I sat outside most of the afternoon yesterday. Wind rustled the leaves in the trees, the sun shone bright in a crystal blue sky, and goldfinches entertained me throughout. On my lunch break, I sat on the deck and watched a sunshine yellow finch bob on the seedhead of a spent echinacea flower. The spiky … Continue reading Goldfinch delight
One day it was summer, and the next it was fall. The autumn equinox was a gray, chilly day; I lit a pumpkin and sage candle in my office and listened to the sound of rain patter while I worked. A week ago, we had our windows closed with the air conditioner on. I wore … Continue reading The seasons changed overnight
My birthday is in early September, and every year, it heralds the beginning of autumn. Something shifts in me when it arrives. I accept that summer is dying and fall will soon take its place. This morning, I look out the window and see the garden on its final flowers: scarlet mums, goldenrod, blushing sedum, … Continue reading Surrender to the inevitable
We threw our windows open three days ago. At long last. Sun pours into the kitchen window and spreads yellow rectangles of light on the shiny oak floor under the dining table. A crow’s caw tears the empty morning. The whine of a prop plane’s propeller builds and then fades overhead. Chirrups of songbirds trill … Continue reading Open windows
My husband and I talked this morning about how we’re numb from the routine of life, day in and day out, every day the same since the pandemic began: same meals, same surroundings, same walk around the neighborhood. Today we decided to break routine and go for a hike at the Cascades, a waterfall nearby … Continue reading Wildflower hike at Cascades waterfall
