turning leaves
It’s been such a warm and glorious autumn in McKinney this year. We’ve had almost no rain, which isn’t good, but I have been enjoying the sunny days tremendously. One night there was a dusting of frost in a few places, but the days remain balmy. Every few days I wonder how much longer it can continue, but then I forget and go about my life as if this weather will continue indefinitely. The unfortunate side effect has been that I’m not so interested in getting the house ready for winter when it’s 80-something degrees outside. The rodents are more prudent than I am; they’re in the attic and the walls, and we’ve been trying to figure out if they’re rats, squirrels, or mice, and how to get them out and keep them out.
It’s Day Two of NaNoWriMo and I’m still plugging along. I didn’t get much done today because I kept getting distracted by the bird and squirrel activity outside. There is an abelia shrub just outside the window where the birds perch and pick bugs from the branches. There are a few white blossoms hanging precariously on the outer edges, so there are still a few small butterflies and honeybees trying to feed on them. There’s also a birdbath next to the abelia bush. I watched bluejays, cardinals, chickadees, mockingbirds, and sparrows having their afternoon “tea” today, and I also spotted a Carolina wren, an unusual treat for me. I never know what jeweled treasures will decorate my view.