Americanos

I love Americanos, which is espresso mixed with hot water. My brother and I had americanos all the way across Scotland, years ago, because the regular coffee tasted like something dredged from a canal. You cannot travel in Scotland in early Spring, without something warm to drink available at all times. So now, when I have an americano, I think of Scotland.

Of course, the weather puts me in mind of it, as well. The weather in this small valley would match the heat of Summer in Scotland: nevertheless, it is time for americanos. The Fall equinox has gone by, and Rosh Hashanah has started, the Jewish New Year, and 'time of Awe'.

Of course, to me, it's Halloween season. I love Halloween: the mystery, the costumes, the colors, and the entire world seems to live in Harry Potter's Hogwartz for a day. I love dressing up to scare the trick-or-treaters, and to be delighted, in return.

I watch the orange streak in my favorite maple spread, and the dark skies roll with clouds. Some blue shows between the clouds, but the sun cannot be seen.

But it is there.

Leaves of Orange

Some nights are not so good. But there is always orange to wake up to, this time of year. The orange glitter pumpkin that is my fall decoration, and the orange chrysanthemums that bloom on the deck. And this morning, there is an orange streak in one of my favorite maple trees.

It was so quiet in the apartment last night. No fans blew, no air-conditioner was on. And Max, the dog, and the two unicorn meat eating cats slept with me. There is no finer source of warmth, than that of a loving being.

Speaking of: Ruby and Minkins are still looking for someone's lap to warm. I am afraid they are not being socialized enough, and I let them out of their room in the morning, to explore, and be introduced to a dog and some other cats.

I faced yesterday with a bit more courage than I can muster today, especially after nightmares, but the clouds will pass, as the sunshine will, as well. And the feeling of new beginnings is on us with the start of Fall.

Take some time and look for orange today.

Sweater Weather

And it is, in the morning, too. I think today will be the last morning I drink iced coffee. Max, the dog, keeps my spot warm on the couch, and I do the same for him. It's a lovely morning for a kitty or two on the lap, especially if they are warmed by eating unicorn meat.

The dogwoods are turning purple, and have sprouted red berries. A neighbor has cut down the gigantic boxwood that was growing onto the sidewalk, freeing Max and I from having to walk around it. Uncut grasses wave wheaty heads. The grass is still green, but it's only a matter of time.

The Greek Festival is this weekend in this small valley, and I am a devotee of their food, so I am going.

The fan in the window brings early morning sounds in with the air. Someone, somewhere is using an air hammer. I miss bird song, in this apartment. I have a contingent that roosts above my front door, scattering nest material every morning, but they don't sing much. They love the red impatiens that I planted in the spring, and it has been nipped down to the ground by the birds. However, they do not like begonias or vinca, so they are safe.

I spent some time yesterday with a Crape Myrtle. I loved touching it's bark. I had 5 Crape Myrtles at the Old House; it was a favorite tree of my Dad's. There is always something so good about a tree.

Let Sleeping Cats Lie

This morning, again, is beautiful, as the temperatures plunge into the Fall range. All of the animals cuddle against my legs, or on top of the fleeces that I scatter about for their rest. Max, the crazy dog, lies on the floor, or alternately, on the couch, when the cats get down.

The clouds seem to be here forever. Today, I will put out the pumpkin that is my Halloween decoration. It's covered in glitter, and it's the most cheerful ornament I have, bar none. I doubt that I will get little children tapping at my door for Halloween, although I could be wrong. I will get a bag of candy bars a bit closer to the day, just in case.

Coffee Morning

I remind myself this morning, not to pet the ghosts of long gone kitties in my head, but to love on the ones that surround me. There is nothing to compare to a cool, fall morning, with coffee and a warm, gray cat on the lap.

Now to the pictures: Ruby is a good momma, and loving companion.

 Her son, Minkins, is very shy and skittish. But loving and adventurous!

No, that's Ruby again. Let's try again.

 They are up for foster or a Furever Home.

Either one would trade purrs for a home for the winter...
This weekend was the first time I put on "winter" shoes. And today was the first time I have put on a "winter" shirt to walk Max, the dog. The air is cooler and more breathable. The summer grasses have put out their seedlings, and look like stalks of wheat, on the street corners.

The field has turned slightly purple, and the ground suddenly has hillocks where the grass bunches and lies. One last, lone rhododendron has blooms. Clouds line the sky. Some days they are dark, or like today, just lowering. Blue peeps through, and some gold.

The coffee is especially fine this morning. I have yogurt, and blueberries, and walnuts waiting. The dog, Max, lies now, a small figure warming the sofa, after breakfast. When my hands get cold, I sip my coffee...

Liminal, the 'art conversation' resumes today at 5:30, at the Community School on West Campbell Ave. I will read some of my blog posts. Please join us. The event will be available on Youtube, on the Community High School site, hopefully.

The man I love, who loves me, is ill. Sometimes, I can think of nothing else.