Yes, it’s November first and this monarch is most likely well on his way to Mexico. But. I’m sharing this today because (a) I forgot to share it back in early October when I took it and because (b) it’s pretty much the opposite of what November looks like around here. For now the zinnias are still blooming (although they are small and die quickly after I pick them) yet I know that very shortly they will be gone like the monarchs, the leaves will be off the trees, and everything will be . . . brown. So I’m posting this to remember the beautiful colors of summer as we head into the dreary brown of November.

There’s nothing dreary about the weekend, though! Let’s enjoy it like a monarch on a zinnia full of pollen!

Hey friends! Here’s Jackie with a big ole grin and a look that says he’s ready for the weekend!

Guess what? I am, too! Let’s make it a good one!

My gardens are truly winding down now although we haven’t yet had a hard frost. That means I do still have zinnias and morning glories blooming, but most of the perennials and flowering shrubs have given up the ghost. This means I’m extra grateful for the containers of mums and ornamental kale . . . they provide beautiful fall color and make me smile.

The weekend makes me smile, too. Make it a good one!

It’s October and my zinnias are still going strong! I keep thinking each bouquet I pick will be the last but even though our nights have been cool, our days have been warm-ish so they are still blooming.

Thanks for all the good thoughts for my colonoscopy yesterday. The doctor told me they removed five small polyps so it’s very good that I went. And I’m now on the 3 year plan. Damn. But it’s worth it because screening saves lives.

And would you look at that  . . . it’s the weekend. And it’s a long one, too. Play hard, friends!

There’s nothing like being at a conference for lots of sitting around. So, yesterday when I took my suitcase out to the car, I took the long way around the hotel to get the blood flowing to my legs. Lucky for me, and you it turns out, because I spotted this lone hydrangea in the hotel garden. Lovely, yes? The last gasp of summer, I suppose.

I hope you have a happy weekend! Ours will be full of celebrating because . . . hold on to your hats . . . Jackie is 2 today!