sweetness

I'm sitting at a cafe pretending that what is before me -- a cappuccino and a scone -- can be called lunch. I hadn't had time to grab my usual toast and almond butter at home. We had decided at the last minute that we absolutely have to get some winter rye seeds into the new meadow (because weeds are already creeping up through the compost layer Ed had created for the project) and so I volunteered to go to the farmers' coop to pick up the seeds on my way to pick up Snowdrop. It took no time at all and so I had leftover minutes that I could have used for a brisk walk (it's a brilliant day!) but instead, I chose the coffee shop.

In setting up that photo (timed release), I must have unwittingly blocked the path of another cafe customer because when I was finished, a woman emerged from the sidelines and said -- I'm an amateur photographer myself so I didn't want to disturb your efforts at a good picture. 

She was wearing a mask and I thought -- this person is so kind! She wants me to do my photo and she also wants to keep me safe. (This is the thought I have every time someone puts on a mask in my presence.) She sees my age, she cares. 

You need to step out of your home to see kindness. Most of it doesn't make it into the news stories you read or shows you watch. But out there in my community, there is a lot of kindness going on. No political statement, no exasperating self-congratulatory proclamations. Just simple caring for someone other than just yourself. It's nice.

Speaking of caring, here's the garden that needs a bit more TLC than I am able to give right now. That's okay. The fall season (aka the clean up season, or -- the season of asters!) is just beginning.

The mornings and evenings are cool, but our breakfasts are very late, so it's an easy choice: the porch!

And, as I mentioned -- the afternoon is spent with Snowdrop.

The girl has had a string of good days, but of course, it would be unrealistic to expect no hiccups. 

 

 

 

 Today's challenges came from the bully corner of the playground. This is where a bowl of fruit and solid reading time really help smooth the wrinkles of a day! In addition to the usual Judy Blume stuff, she dug out Madame Badobedah. You are like the old lady and I am like the young girl, the adventurer! -- she tells me. If you knew the story and characters, you would smile at that. A big, grandmotherly smile.

At their house, Sandpiper wants to hear about everyone's day. 

We don't know yet whether he will be as chatty as his older sibs. My guess? Yes, very chatty!  

Sweet kids, sweet friends, sweet strangers. Such a warm and cuddly day!