mid-month

"our life lasts only a moment. note those moments."

• our annual friends' thanksgiving was held on saturday. my goddaughter melted down just as dinner was being served. a mouthful of stuffing and cranberries was met with a smile, when just a second later a similar mouthful summoned tears and near-screaming. such is life with a two year-old. i picked her up from her seat and took her into the relative quiet of the tv room (thank goodness the penn state game had been turned off, otherwise i might have joined in on the crying). we sat on the couch with mr. bear, and i listened as this little girl tried to calm her breathing from the silent sobs she had worked herself into. there is nothing like having a child start to snooze on your shoulder, unless it happens in a house filled with friends, good food, lots to drink, and laughter. it was a slice of heaven.

• friday morning i took my friends' dogs for a walk. it was a perfect, sunny november day - i didn't even need a jacket. we walked (pulled, stumbled, tripped, and ran) down to the brandywine. i sat down on a rock to catch some sun and lengthen our day out. both dogs sat down in front of me and let me pet them, and i was slobbered in kisses. we were all a little tired for the walk back to the car. i drove them home, one dozing in the front seat and the other lying across the back. dogs can be such incredible companions.

• sunday morning i rode my bike on nearly-deserted roads. i came around a blind corner and had to brake hard; a group of five deer was crossing the road. i could hear the sounds of their hoofs on the pavement; i momentarily flashed to an image of reindeer on a roof. just as quickly as they had arrived, they were gone again, disappearing into the woods that are becoming more and more devoid of leaves.

• on friday i baked the best apple pie i've ever made. it was just about perfect. everything came together and tasted wonderful. i'm not sure it will ever be repeated, but it gives me something to strive for.

• on sunday i spotted some bittersweet in a tree while mom and i were walking the gorilla dog. mom loves bittersweet, and didn't have any in the house this fall. i walked down to the tree and was able to pick some for her. it is a small branch and it is on the mantle in the living room. i watched as mom placed it just so, beautiful in the sunlight and a reminder of the season happening all around us.

• i've been waking up before my alarm because the sun is back to rising early. it is a wonderful thing.