Once More

 

Went out to the balcony, no coat, temps at 32 degrees, to get this sunrise. Several times. The sky was more orange than this and I could not capture what my eyes saw. I've mentioned this before, I think. I tried my phone camera and the Fuji. I'm now convinced there is something going on with my eyes. I've had cataract surgery on both eyes... could the lenses refract the light differently? I'm serious. 

Anyway, it was a beauty.

Apparently, it is a possibility:

Color discrimination is a subjective phenomenon. Many patients experience a change in color awareness following cataract surgery with any IOL;

Here is another example. This poinsettia appears orangeish to me yet the camera captured a more pinkish color.

Curled

 Poinsetta leaves curl and crinkle when they fall from the main plant. 

Joe, Sloppy

Thanks to Monte for the Sloppy Joe memory. I hadn't had one in many years. My mom's were so good. This was the first time making them 'from scratch' as opposed to using the Manwich sauce. They are delicious and I have extra in the freezer for another day.

Also, on the culinary theme, 

Pizza: Blueberries, honey-carmelized onions, ricotta, feta on naan bread. Another yummy dish.

One Poinsettia

 Two lenses

80mm

16-55mm

Sunrise, Friday (phone pic)

I didn't know if I would get a poinsettia this year. I don't shop in person these days and ordering delivery... well, it didn't seem that important. But I had to go to Lowe's (for fuses of all things) and the plants were on sale. Of course, I have to keep it where Beau can't get to it... he would eat the leaves for sure and then we'd be at the vet's office. 

A Beautiful Day

It's a beautiful day, temps headed for 70°F. A few minutes ago, a flock of geese flew by - at eye level. I love the fifth floor! The cold will return later this week but for now it's fantastic.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, except the geraniums are still blooming. 🙂

I made a Café Mocha with my little Barista machine this morning. I liked it, probably my new fave. 

Traditions

In years past, when I would take these plates and cups out of the cupboard for the holidays, I didn't give them much thought. Although I'd had them for many years, they weren't expensive nor were they family heirlooms by any means. So it's possible that when I was packing to move, I may have dismissed them as not worth saving. They could be in storage somewhere. But... I can't find them and it's making me sad. 

I think maybe it's just one more thing on top of all the other things this year. 

I know 'this too shall pass'. 

Silver Bells

 I have photographed these bells so many times. The first - 2001, with my Sony F707.

They're very large and of course the trick (as with any metallic surface) is not to get too many distracting reflections. I've never tried intentional reflections... maybe next year. I know there are several more photos but I couldn't find them all. 

2001

2003

2005

2006

2020

Wake Up!

 

Monte mentioned the stories we wrote ten years ago. Ten years?! Of course, I had to go back and read mine and I was floored that those words came out of me. And it wasn't too bad.

When did I stop writing more than a short sentence? It seems to have been three or so years ago. I don't know. I don't paint, I don't write and my photos are sporadic and without much feeling.

I could point to all sorts of life events that may have precipitated the slump, but that would be making excuses. 

And for crying out loud, look at how dirty my pen is! I have work to do.

Decorated, Subdued

 The ornaments are on the tree and it looks fine. I have decided that this tree (artificial) and my current collection of ornaments will go to the trash bin when this season is over. Except for a few special, personal ones, they are tired and worn out. The same could be said for me, lol.

I debated (as I do every year) whether or not to put up decorations. But the lights cheer me up, so one more year at least.

Right on Cue

The tree is up and today I will bring out the ornaments which are waaaaay in the back of the storage room. Not as bad as when I'd have to haul everything up from the basement though. lol

December Reflections

 

Twelve years ago today I woke up as a widow. I can't believe it's been twelve years and also, I remember every detail of December 1.

Since then I've lost my mother, a special friend, and my dear Sofia.  I moved to Charlotte from Georgia, where I'd lived since 1972.

The world keeps turning.

Morning Moon

Grapes

Morning Moon in a Star

End of November

 

Still some blooms on the balcony but freezing temps later this week may put an end to that.

Eye Candy Sunrise

 Sunrise on this Wednesday morning. 

Blowing Rock, NC

 We took a drive to Blowing Rock, NC, hoping to see some autumn color. It might not be 'peak' but it was close enough for now.

Cue the Leaves

 

Autumn is slowly making its entrance. There's not much color in the trees but leaves have fallen. A little brightening and some curly processing on the forest floor.

Beau and I are still grieving Sofia's passing. 

Harvest Moon

 And a day goes by, and then another. And then a week. And a full moon catches my eye.

Rest in Peace, Baby Girl

Sofia passed away on September 24, 2020. She was sixteen years old and her health issues took a toll on her little body. My heart is broken.

One of the first photos I took of her.

Windswept Sunrise

 

The mornings are cool and the days are mild, perfect weather. 

Sofia is feeling better but she's had a rough time lately. In addition to being blind, having high blood pressure, a heart murmur, and multiple myeloma, she was recently in the hospital for four days with kidney and bladder infections.

I hope my car will be ready this week. They discovered the axle beam was bent so they had to order a new one. 

And so it goes. 

Rain, Sally, Rain

We're getting an all-day rain today, courtesy of tropical storm Sally. 

Some positive weather news, I have survived the summer! The temperatures are in the low 80's/upper 70's. Hooray!

She hit me!

And this is why I'm not on my way to the beach today. We had reservations on Ocean Isle Beach, NC for three days. I had booked the kitties into their vet's boarding facility. We were all packed. Went out to pick up something for dinner and WHAM! 

It's been a little over a year since the last time someone hit the other side of the car. 

North Carolina drivers are the worst! 

Summer, Still

I may get to the beach for a few days next week. I don't want to jinx it, so details later. ;)

Daisies

 

It was a good day

My **th birthday. My son and daughter-in-law took me to Cowfish for lunch. It's a burger/sushi restaurant in Charlotte. This was my first dine-in experience since the pandemic and (confession) my first time eating sushi. The social distancing inside the restaurant was more than six feet and everyone wore masks. 

It was a very good day...  I probably won't order sushi again but at least I gave it a try. 😊