Category: Nature

weekend prep …

Published on by Honoré5 Comments

 

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This weekend, we’re supposedly  in for our first snow of  the season…so, just to be on the safe side, we went shopping for ice melt and a few food  items to tide us over. I suspect, based on previous experiences, if the snow does come, it’ll be short-lived…but then again, I could be very wrong! Only time will tell.

If it does snow, I  have plenty on my agenda to keep me company. Today, I tackled the clothes’ closet – finally! I feel so much better that I did…now, I need to finish clearing stuff off the bed…because it just might be needed for sleeping .

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The sun is setting, the moon is shining and homeward bound rush hour traffic is on the move. Have a great weekend!

Cheers~

 

welcome winter solstice…

Published on by Honoré11 Comments

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Full December Cold Moon ~ 5:46 P.M. ~ 12.21.18

Technically, the Winter Solstice arrived today, 12.21.18, at 5:23 pm, accompanied by the Full December Cold Moon. Despite the moon’s moniker and the advent of colder temperatures, we’ve enjoyed spring like temperatures all day – mid 60°s, accompanied by a nice downpour, mid afternoon.

Technically, the full December Cold Moon is tomorrow, Sat 22 Dec at 12:48 pm. Why can one see the moon in the daylight? The technical term for  this phenom is syzygy . Interesting.

Our day has been quiet…I had a hair appointment and stopped at the grocery store for a few items. Tomorrow, my plan for any weekend shopping is to begin early and return home  circa 2 pm. That should give me my “fill of mingling with holiday crowds.”

Have a grand weekend!

Cheers~

 

brrr…it’s cold outside

Published on by Honoré13 Comments

 

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today’s sunrise

The day started bright, with the promise of sunshine all day… well, that was short lived. Sunrise, at 7:03 am and the morning high,  41° F was as good as it was going to get. Within an hour, clouds had moved in and winds picked up – making it feel like 32°.

This afternoon, I took a shorter and brisker walk than planned  ’cause it’s downright windy and cold —brrr.  Even though the Winter Solstice is just 24 days away, I’m really not ready for winter. You?

After my very abbreviated and brisk walk, I was so thankful to step inside our warm house. So very thankful.

a red bird …

Published on by Honoré7 Comments

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At our last Recent Read gathering, my friend Margaret introduced me to Pulitzer Prize winner and thirteenth US Poet Laureate Ted Kooser. I find that I begin reading one poem and then the next and then the next…

The following poem is from his latest book,  Kindest Regards: New and Selected Poems, ©2018 by the author, published by Cooper Canyon Press, p 205 and also featured on the jacket back.

Hoarfrost

Two days of an icy prairie fog and every blade of grass, and twig, and branch, and every stretch of wire, barb, post and staple, is a knot or a thread in a lace of the purest white. To walk is like finding your way through a wedding dress, the sky inside it cold and satiny; no past, no future, just the now all breathless. Then a red bird, like a pinprick, changes everything.

We didn’t have a hoarfrost this morning, but I did see a red  bird … a cardinal.

@sunrise …

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6:30 am:  On this first day of the return to “normal” time, I stand on the deck, inhale the crisp autumn morning air – it’s only 37°F!  I had the presence of mind to put on a jacket and hat…and I’m glad I did! I look upward to the sky, ribbons of pink-tinged clouds and jet contrails, planes headed to National Airport, greet me. Birds swiftly fly toward the morning sun, so fast I can’t/don’t capture with my iPhone.

The tree, “this tree,” that I observe through every season, is fast loosing its leaves. Everyday, I can see more of its magnificent structure. Still, at the very top, are bright yellow leaves…causing me to remember the symphony of color that greets us these days as we walk, ride, drive, are out and about – on errands, on the way to work, play or home. The season is ending; leaves gather on sidewalks, lawns. Mother Nature prepares for the next.

On this thought, I turn to go inside to fix my first cuppa tea and listen to Sunday Baroque…and I think how grateful I am for the life I’ve had… and to welcome another day.