Monday, November 23, 2020

November Walks and Rides

It's hard to believe November is nearly over, yet here we are in Thanksgiving week.

The month, like the year, has so far been marked by waiting: waiting for an election; waiting for votes to be counted; waiting for resolution; waiting to see what the virus would do. And with the waiting, hoping: hoping for clear outcomes; hoping for peace and stability; hoping for truth to be proclaimed and recognized; hoping against hope that leaders would lead, and put people before politics or profit; hoping that hospitals would not be overwhelmed, nor medical personnel swamped, by a rising tide of illness.

While humans fret and fight their way to the end of this seemingly endless year, the earth, thank God, keeps turning. The seasons roll onward, and their ever-changing beauty provides solace and distraction from the affairs of men.

(How's that for a cheerful opening? The rest of the post will be better, I promise.)

~

For me, November began with a walk in the cold clear air. The bright leaves of October had faded, and soft neutrals prevailed on this trail through the trees:


In defiance of the weather, a shivering mullein still bore one blossom:


On the other side of the woods, seedpods of white wild indigo stood out darkly against the prairie:


And tall grasses provided a pop of rusty red and white:


~

The next day brought a stunning sunset of violet and rose:


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The day after that brought a ride! (And an election. But that wasn't nearly as much fun.)

In what felt like a measure of extra grace during a time of national stress, November warmed up for one golden week. On two days of that week, I was able to ride to work.

On the way in, I saw sandhill cranes biding their time in a field:


And on the way home, enjoyed the reddish light cast by the setting sun over river and lake:



The shorts and short sleeves are proof of just how warm it was:


What an unexpected treat in November, and what a great distraction from political events (or non-events).

~

During the warm spell, I took another walk to the prairie restoration project. The temperature may have been summerlike, but grass, tree, and flower told a tale of fall:




Bird on a wire:


Sunset over the marsh:


The warmth lasted just one day longer before reverting to more typical November weather: cloudy, rainy, and cold. Many days passed before I took out my camera again.

~

Last Friday I walked to the park, where oak leaves and dried grass made a pleasing contrast to the dark blue waters of the pond:


I stopped for a photo of a mysterious dried flower (possibly prairie onion?):


A few steps away was a flagpole, and on it the Stars and Stripes - tattered and tossed by conflicting winds, but still flying bravely:

May the nation she represents be governed by truth and characterized by courtesy, kindness, and concern for life at every stage.

~

I've been working on some crochet tutorials which I hope to post soon. My crafting mojo is slowly wakening from its post-publishing dormancy, and I have several techniques to share. :)

Wishing a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving all who celebrate it! I am grateful for all of you.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


19 comments:

  1. Your photos are amazing . We have had some spectacularly warm Wisconsin days this month. Much needed relief ! Like a tiny second summer. Happy THanksgiving to you

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    1. Thank you, Kathy! Hope you and Fireman have a pleasant Thanksgiving.

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  2. What a most wonderful post dear friend! Your photos are always so lovely and your words are perfect. Your words reflected exactly how I have felt about November, and yet I could never have expressed them so elegantly. I looked at the tattered flag for a while and could not help but think how it truly represents what our country has been going through. Riots, lies and hate. Oh how we need clarity and truth to wash over our nation and cleanse it, leaving love and understanding...and truth. Wishing you and your sweet family a most lovely Thanksgiving . (( hugs ))

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    1. Thank you, Vicki. Here's to a safe and healthy holiday season for both our states and for all the world.

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  3. I loved what you said at the top of your post, my feelings exactly. I thoroughly enjoyed all your photos.

    *:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*:._.:*~*:._.:*:._.:*
    *H*A*P*P*Y* *T*H*A*N*K*S*G*I*V*I*N*G*!*!*
    *:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*:._.:*~*:._.:*:._.:*

    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  4. Lovely images of your November outings. I particularly like your water shots, especially the first one in a reddish hue and the last one with the dried grasses and oak leaves in contrast to the lovely blue water.

    It would seem that things are about to get much better in the US, thanks to new 'management' next year. The whole world has followed your turmoil and anxious times and rejoices in new choices with you.

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    1. Thank you, Sandra. The water can be so beautiful when it reflects the light and the sky.

      Thanks also for the encouraging words.

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  5. Beautiful photos the scenery is stunning, it's lovely to be able to get outdoors breath in the fabulous views and try to forget about all the madness that surrounds us, walking on the beach does that for me. Looking forward to your crochet posts. Happy Thanksgiving! x

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    1. Thank you, Linda. I'm so glad you have a place to walk and find refreshment for the soul. Stay healthy!

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  6. I just love to see your posts! As always the photos are spectacular! Everything is so clear. You must have a good camera! I do so love those Autumn colours. We are beginning to notice a chill in the air here now so it is slow coming but we are into Autumn albeit a mild one :-) keep well Amanda x

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    1. Thank you, Amanda. I think the clear photos are helped by clear autumn air. :) My camera is just a little point-and-shoot that fits in my pocket.

      Happy Autumn to you.

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  7. Oh how much I love your photos AND writing, both just do my heart good. I wish your words could be woven into a mantra for the world...With courtesy, kindness and concern for all. And bring on the crochet! Do you have any good patterns for chemo caps for cancer patients? I found one...a turban, and I have made it in different yarns for my Aunt Gayle who lost her hair. She might be ready for different style. I think I've made her 8 so far!Happy Thanksgiving, Sue!

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    1. Thanks, Kay.

      Re chemo caps: I think it really depends on what is comfortable for the person who needs it. When a close family member of mine went through chemo and lost her hair, the only caps she liked were the soft fabric wrap style that tied in back. I would ask your aunt if any one style works better than another for her; also, which yarn she finds most comfortable.

      There's a Ravelry group focused on chemo caps here: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/chemo-cap-pattern-library

      You can scroll through the different topics to see if anything there jumps out. You'll need to sign in to view the group. (Note: Ravelry has changed their look and some users have found that the site causes visual stress, headaches, or other neurological reactions. Ravelry staff have been working on the issue but I don't know if everything has been resolved.)

      You could also Google "crochet chemo cap pattern". Best wishes to your aunt!

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  8. May all your wishes come true. Regula

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  9. So awesome that you are able to get out and about! And good that your crafting mojo is returning! Perhaps we can get a little back to normal soon... Or as least as close to normal as we can get!

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  10. I love this post so much. Your opening paragraphs gave be goosebumps because you voiced everything so well. Nature is a wonderful place to be when all around seems chaotic. Thanks for sharing all that you see along the way. Take care and have a good week.

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  11. Such beautiful pictures, as ever! (hello, missus, it's been a while :-)) Lovely clear skies - I was interpreting it as cold and bright until the short-sleeves picture!

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