September Mourn

Little did I realize that the front of our house features a large display of the rose named "September Mourn". And the fact that earlier today we spent watching the coverage of events in the Capitol just all tied together.

Until today I just thought of these as some white roses but they are in fact named "September Mourn" and it is so fitting.

This week started out with cooler days and cooler nights but has transformed into more heatness, not as much as the East coast and not as humid -- but again in the 90s . . .

We have now reactivated the a/c and are appreciative that it is working enough to keep us somewhat comfortable and somewhat able to enjoy daily activities.

The last couple of days we have watched the services being held for John McCain.

We have been reminded of so much of what he stood for and what hopefully his legacy will bring.

His voice and sentiments came out loud and clear by not only what was said, but by how it was said and by whom.

He spoke volumes through his children as they spoke and through the many colleagues as they spoke. His message came through by not only who was in attendance but by who was absent.

It was amazing to see his mother in attendance and looking much younger than her 106 years of age.
That is approximately how old my mother would be right now if she had lived.

We sat in awe as the services went forward and were surprised that we did not once think about "not watching" until the network stopped broadcasting. We will carry the messages and the warm spirit for a long time through reflections in the coming times.

We did do our regular activities throughout the week including working on "The Dream Garden" (by Maxfield Parrish) presented to us by Liberty Puzzles.

This is an absolute quality puzzle and who knows maybe worthy of framing if we can complete it and there are no missing pieces. Though missing pieces can be supplied by Liberty.

We are about two-thirds of the way done and it has been challenging -- but oh so rewarding when we find that elusive piece that we swore must be missing . . .

We do have another puzzle or two waiting in the wings, but this one is special.

Now, some local Healdsburg news:

Almost unheard of -- a high school with NO varsity football program. Apparently, there were only 18 players that qualified for the varsity squad and then after losing the first two games -- both shutouts, six players quit the squad and the remaining players voted to disband . . .

What happens to "Friday Night Lights" and "Homecoming" and other events associated with the varsity sport. Growing up, varsity football was THE activity that seemed to tie students together.

The Junior Varsity is still playing and the hope is that by next year, there will be enough players to restart the program . . . we'll see.

And then if there is no football, what happens to Starbucks "pumpkin spice lattes"?

We haven't actually had one but they are being offered again starting a few days ago which really signals that "fall" is almost here.

We feel the crispness in the morning and evening air and the urge to sleep in more -- even Dino is doing that.

We actually look so forward to the official start of fall and would welcome the weather that comes with that.

And lastly -- I can see clearly now:

Even though the photo is not totally clear -- the new pair that I picked up yesterday is the one on the bottom.

So far it is working nicely -- and I have a fairly good back up pair if I need them.

Gail's current prescription was still working well for her and she likes her current frames anyway.


So, that's a bit of our week. Hope to see you all "in a few"! 👨👩