Escape (Not The Pina Colada Song)

Samson and I escaped today. Ok, maybe not the whole day, but for a few hours. Feeling sadness set in after paying for car repairs I decided that we should go somewhere and enjoy the very pleasant day. (60 deg in November?) We made our way through the twists and turns to Sturgeon Bay. It was beautiful and not a soul around. We had free reign of the miles of beach and dunes. The wind was a bit brisk at times making me wish I had a warmer coat, but when we changed directions it was at my back and easier to deal with.

We spent over an hour walking the beach and it made me feel so much better. Samson splashed in the water, not going deep because of the waves and it had to be cold. (brrr) With no leash to hold him back he relished in running the dunes and checking out all the smells his nose picked up while not straying beyond my sight. Armed with a camera, he became my target as my fun became watching him frolic in the sand and water.

I am glad we went and enjoyed the sun and beach; it was just what I needed. Sometimes life just feels crappy and it takes a little cost-free adventure like that to put it back in perspective. Now I can go back to cleaning house and paying bills and all that normal stuff without cringing quite so much. At least I won the football pool this week.

The leaves they are a-changin'

"Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark their progress." - Charles Dickens

Fall Denial

Saturday night we went to the annual "Fall Denial" party put on by some friends. A bunch of people gather and bring a dish to pass, have a couple drinks, listen to a band, watch fireworks, and have fun. I always look forward to this party, it gets better every year. We ate, laughed, and had our fun early as hubby had to work Sunday morning.

I chopped and sliced my way through Sunday. Armed with a knife and cutting board I spent four hours at my sisters house, the end result was 47 jars of salsa. My mom was also there supervising the messy event. Two fingers on my left hand burned all afternoon from chopping the jalapenos and chili peppers. I was careful not to touch my eyes, but came close a couple times. My 12 year old nephew was also helping and I taught him how to properly chop peppers and tomatoes, supporting his interest in cooking. Sunday night I was tired, spending four hours with my sister and mom will do that to me. Hubby made dinner and I spent the night falling asleep in front of the television.

Summer is fading, making way for fall, and I so want to deny it. Already I see daylight disappearing a little earlier each night. Today was cool and rainy, a typical fall day, perfect for staying inside. I spent the afternoon taking notes on a couple writing books that came from the library, listening to episodes of Sex and the City. Even though I dread the thought of winter and cold, sometimes staying inside is a good thing.