Unbe-leaf-ably fantabulous Day!

I captured some autumn leaves as they blew from one tree to the next, floating ever so gently to the ground, some of them catching a breeze and briefly lifting back up before making it all the way down.

I wasn't going to blog today, but I took some photos while I was out with Gizzy for our Thanksgiving walk that I want to post in case my family or friends want to know what I did today. I love blogging because all my famly is far away. I have one child, a daughter, who lives in California (where I lived all my American Life) and my entire other family is in Germany, but thanks to the Internet and this blog, we can somehow keep closer. My mom and dad don't "do computer" but I call them frequently and my sister and cousin (who use the Internet) keep them informed as well. I could not have asked for a more perfect day. The sun was shining, the air was cool, but not too cold and we had a nice breeze blowing the leaves off the trees and keeping everything fresh and moving.

Many of the trees in my neighborhood are changing color.

As I was walking down the street towards Lake Irma, I was looking at Gizzy and saw that he was having a good day too. I began to give thanks for everything I have, be it ever so humble and for being able to walk with my dog on a gorgeous day like today. While walking, I ponder on the beauty of just about every season, except maybe summer. Since living here, I have really come to dislike summer. But, I suppose one has to suffer through it in order to get to the other seasons, so I will just have to learn to deal with it...or make other living arrangements.

I am thankful to have this pretty, little lake to walk to with my dog, plus Bank's Lake National Wildlife Refuge (which I must visit again soon) and Roquemore Memorial Park in close vicinity, the third of our three regular stomping grounds. Where are the two ducks? Can you spot them? We lingered and think we were gone for a good 90 minutes today, maybe even longer.

We sat beneath our usual tree and watched Gizzy TV. I like to close my eyes and absorb the smells, sounds and feel of the outdoors. Every time I do that, I promise to remember to bring a lounge chair the next time and a book, because now is the time for me to be outside without getting chewed up by mosquitoes. A few still find me here and there, but not like in the summer time. Gizzy ejoying the view.

In the shade, I see some little wildflowers blooming, stretching their neck towards the sunshine. The water sparkles in the breeze like someone sprinkled it with little daimonds or as if tiny tinkerbell fairies were dancing on top of the water.

On the way home, I see more birds of prey overhead, circling, watching, waiting...

Upon arriving back home at my apartment, I caught up with a neighbor who was raking the leaves. She allowed me to photograph those pretty bell shaped blossoms on a bush in front of her bedroom. I remember seeing those all over in Laguna Beach, California. I wanted to eat late, so I am baking my small chicken with vegetables now and it is starting to smell very good in here. Gizzy's snoozing (and snoring) and Middi's restless, either from the smell of the chicken or she wants out. Wishing you all a splendid Thanksgiving Day!