Hurrah September!

September begins on the same day of the week as December every year, because there are 91 days separating September and December, which is a multiple of seven (the number of days in the week).

The scents of Autumn are creeping in as Summer draws to a close. Unlike the verdant smell of Spring, September is a mix of hot grapes on the vine, parched earth and late summer flowers like the honey scented butterfly bushes.

Students and teachers are back in school. My morning runs are again treated to friendly waves from kids on school buses. My afternoons are a bit more free when I treat myself to a few rounds of DDR. Only homeschooled kids are waiting for their turn or asking to double up with me until after 3PM. Their demeanor and conversations are always engaging.

First harvests have passed with Lughnasad and Mabon's second harvests are quickly approaching. My first name reflects that of the reaper. I have sown over 300 miles this year and hope to reap a 1/2 marathon in a month. What will you aim to reap this year?

September Highlights

Ravenboy and Asrai were able to stay with us through the beginning of September. It was the day that Hurricane Hannah blew through that we had to drive them back to the city. The rainy gray day suited my mood that two bright spots in my life would be going to their own homes.

Maga11 and I finally made it to Belleville to the Amish farmers market and I took some photos of the scenes there.

RGBisMe and I quickly made use of any space second to start organizing and firming up plans for our upcoming letterboxing gathering out in Scotia Barrens. We took our mountain bikes out to explore and map all of the trails that we will be planting letterboxes on. It takes a long time to orient yourself out there even when the sun is shining. Add an overcast day and you might not realize that after hiking and biking for miles that you are just across a pond where you were hours before. I am so grateful for our gps in this mapping project. Not even USGS topo maps have enough detail to know where you are out in Scotia. We are only mapping an area maybe 2.5 miles across and .5 wide but it is easy to lose your way on the many twisting trails. It is all worth it for the beauty and history of the area. We ended up spending the Autumnal Equinox on the trails out there.

Tracdc and Satan were married this past Saturday and the whole posse was together for maybe the most beautiful day this month. Their ceremony was held behind an old inn on a bridge crossing a lovely brook. The temperature was warm and sunny but had just enough chill to the air that the gentlemen felt comfortable in their dress jackets. Toolman Luke looked great in his tux shirt and Maga11's dress made her look lovely. The were picture perfect parents of the bride.

The end of the month has taken an unwanted twist with our dear Miles going into the hospital for a couple of days with FUS. I have word he is coming home this afternoon but will be on a prescription diet for a while and a specialized diet after that. I sat with him for a couple of hours yesterday in the hospital. It was so sad to see our friendliest fellow hooked up to an IV. He wants to come home and we are ready for him. I ask you all put in a good though for his recovery. It's been a rough couple of days for us.