Thursday

As he watches me scribble the short few words into holiday cards, Ed asks -- do you enjoy doing this each year? And I answer, truthfully -- yes. In fact, it's one of my favorite things to do now, in these late days of November (or early days of December). He puts down his computer and stares at me, trying to take that in. I see the question mark in his eyes, so I go on to explain. You give a few minutes to just those people who are special in your life. You focus on them, one at a time, you think about them, their wishes, their needs, as you maybe write something, and slip the card into an envelope. You're spending time with them in this unique way. I truly love it.

This then is my late morning. After I've already fed the animals...

... and had breakfast with Ed. A little more healthy today. One has to take pauses from the sugar highs!

I tell him how warm it feels outside. It had already climbed up to above freezing by the time of my walk to the barn. A month ago, a reading of 34F (1C) would have sent a chill down my spine. I may have searched for a cap and scarf. Today? Nothing like coming out of a deep freeze to make you appreciate the gift of a few extra degrees!

We go for a walk in our local park. 

The landscape very much looks like a once vibrant scene that has shut down for the winter. Packed its bags and moved south. Like the carnival guys with the colorful merry-go-round and the cotton candy that have moved on. With nothing left but the somber bare branched trees and brown stems of dormant grasses and prairie flowers. Brittle and forgotten. It has its own beauty of course, especially on a sunny day, but it's not an easy, in your face beauty and for once I leave my heavy camera at home. I take in all that I see with my whole body and soul, and it requires work. Still, I pause and take out my smart phone for this:

In the afternoon, the color returns to the farmette in the form of energetic elementary school kids. 

And of course, there is the tree -- always there to remind you, remind me that December -- that next month that starts in just a few hours, is a fabulous month despite the paltry hours of sunlight. You are in charge of color. You cant always leave it up to nature to paint cheer into your days.

with love...