Night Trees

Today's gift: Trees at night. I forgot to take a picture when I was outside today and now it is dark and it is Halloween night and the coyotes are howling and I was too scared to venture far from the yard light and I like the way these tree branches look.

Sculpture

Today's gift: Nature's sculpture

Shells

Today's gift: Shells by the shore

Falling Branches

Today's gift: I decided to walk at the fitness center today because it was rainy and very windy outside. I'm glad I only spent a little time outside--the wild wind was blowing branches down. The piece of the branch shown below plunged into the ground and was planted about 5 inches deep. So happy I wasn't under it at the time!

Walking in Rain

Today's gift: Just as I finally made it outside today, it started to rain. So I stayed outside, took a walk in the rain, and enjoyed getting wet.

Last leaves

Today's gift: Hanging in there--some of the last leaves of the season, not ready to drop yet.

The Birds

Today's gift: A cacophonous awakening at dawn. Interesting and fun to watch and listen to, but a bit scary if you have seen the movie "The Birds."

Fall Still Life

Today's gift: Fall still life. New door, new siding, winter-ready pots (waiting for evergreen branches), pumpkins (I see Thanksgiving pies!), gourds, and squash. 

Grandson!

Today's gift: A wonderful, adorable, cute-as-can be grandson! Born last night, he has been my sunshine on this rainy day. This new grandma is over the moon in love. I did go outside today, several times, but nothing out there could compare to what this boy has done to my heart, so no photo from me today; this was sent to me by his other grandma.

Seasons: October Part 2

Today's gift: At the end of the dock, observing the changing colors. I was going to take my Seasons pictures the first week of each month, but realized that the leaves will be gone by the beginning of November. Pretty reflections on the still, quiet lake! 

Noisy Neighbors

Today's gift: Looks like a colorful, peaceful day . . .

. . . but outside my office window, the neighbors were making quite a racket!

Go Outside!

Today's gift: I'm happy I talked myself into going outside today.

This woolly bear caterpillar is predicting a mild winter. Can we believe him?

I'm sure glad this wasp nest isn't close to the house. It sure is cool to look at.

The maximilian sunflowers are pleasing still.

Finished Garden

Today's gift: Finished turning this . . .

. . . into this. The irises and wild roses are all tucked into their freshly cleaned bed, ready for their winter nap. I hope I replanted the iris correctly; I'll find out in the spring!

Crescent Moon

Today's gift: Crescent moon at sunset.

Joyful Mystery

". . . the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise." (Pope Francis)

Today's gift: Gathering with others to discuss Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, by Pope Francis

Fabulous Fall

Today's gift: More fall fabulousness!

Corn Harvest

Today's gift: The corn disappeared while I was sleeping last night and an attractive  corn row scene was left behind. Makes me want to enter the field, follow the lines, and discover what is waiting on the other side of the hill.

Beauty and Bugs

Today's gift: Another beautiful fall day!

Unfortunately, the Asian beetles are enjoying the day also and are invading! It is a real challenge trying to keep them out of the house—front door . . .

. . . and back.

Squash

Today's gift: Harvesting the squash with help from Mark and Dexter.

And some carrots and cabbage added to the bounty. Yum!

Nest

Today's gift: As leaves disappear, nests appear

Sumac

Today's gift: Showy sumac on a Sunday

Beautiful

Today's gift: A beautiful day spent with beautiful friends.

Fall Fruit

Today's gift: Fall fruit

Mud Lake

A glorious vacation on Mud Lake

Sunday's gift: Watching a bald eagle on its nest

Monday's gift: A great blue heron

Tuesday's gift: Wowza leaves!

Wednesday's gift: Field of bales

Listening

Today's gift: Listening to the corn . . .

. . . and the lake . . .

. . . and the trees

Floating Oak Leaf

Today's gift: This lonely oak leaf is all by itself on a little branch toward the bottom of the tree. 

It looks like it is floating.
I'm heading up north for a crafting vacation in a cabin on a lake. No internet, no phone, no posts for a few days. I'll still walk and find gifts every day. Go outside; discover what is waiting for you!

Seasons and Angels

Today's gift: Changing seasons . . .

One of the blessings of living in Minnesota is the obvious and beautiful and exciting change of seasons. Growing up in Florida, I didn't experience the transition from spring to summer to fall to winter and around again in as dramatic a fashion as I get to experience it here.

The changes are especially apparent while standing at the end of the dock and overlooking the lake. I am going to try to take photos of this scene during the first week of each month for a year. It will be such fun to watch and share the delight of change! 

. . . and Angels

A friend once told me that whenever she sees a feather as she is enjoying the outdoors, she thinks of the angels watching over her. Today is the Feast of the Guardian Angels. During my prayer time this morning I read from the book of Tobit, "For a good angel will go with him, his journey will be successful, and he will return in good health." I rejoiced in reading this assurance that I have angels walking along with me and my shadows. I am glad for the feathers that I find on my walks--reminders of the protection of my guardian angel companions.  

Dewy Milkweed

Today's gift: Milkweed seed adorned with dew drops