2.Vote!
It is a beautiful day to vote. Ohio is a battleground state and we have spent the last nine months and more being inundated by robocalls, mass mailings, rallies and political ads, the rhetoric of these, often nasty and degrading. I will vote today not only because it is a privilege, and my right, but also in celebration of the end of such torment.
What better thing to do on a lovely warm day but view the fall leaves.
I grew up in a place where large hardwood trees are not plentiful. Now I live in a place where if you fail to weed your garden over the space of the year a small forest will spring up.
I am a bonafide tree lover.
The suburb where I live is known as tree city, and as there are several large trees right outside my window, I get to appreciate not only the fabulous display as the seasons change, but also the wondrous ecosystem of birds and mammals and insects that inhabit them.
These are the trees in my neighborhood putting on a show.
How lucky to sit inside and enjoy fall leaves on a rainy day!
Such a lovely day for rabbits and eggs!
Love spring!
Ah, the transience of the pink blossoms
So impatient to open in early spring
The petals promising warmer days
Tonight with the impending frost
You will darken and die
Your timing sadly off
Dramatic snow on Friday and today, 70.
A little weird, but also fantastic!
The last snow of the season?
Addis Ababa is undergoing a major boom in construction. Though the country has its economic hurtles, things are moving forward. The weather seems perfect to me, sunny days in the 70s. The locals say it is hotter than usual and express concern over global warming. Most people here think very highly of President Obama and by extension America. I do not think they are following our election politics too closely.
I love weather. It is endlessly variable and fascinating. This year it has provided us with plenty to do, not an easy winter this. Being plunged into the icy firmament of the far north makes us appreciate with fondness gentler times and as January nears it’s end we are left with still apprehensive questions which with time might soon be answered.
Just how low does the temperature have to fall before the pipes break in the basement?
For what length of time does a person have to stand outside without gloves before the fingers lose all sensation?
Will my car start in the morning?
Is it possible to throw hot water into the frosty ether without getting burned?
What will my heating bill look like at the end of the month?
Can I maintain the status quo of a two blanket bed?
Will the snow ever go away?
Is February going to be like January or will it be worse?
Will spring eventually come?
It is cold. The folks in the true upper Midwest who have been clasped in the arms of frozen winter for weeks and weeks are probably rolling their collective eyes. Still for me, untried this year and battle soft, it is cold!
