autumn

Cold Snap – Day 1071

Posted on by Lisa Weikel 2 Comments
Cold Snap – Brutus & Pacha’s First Jackets – Photo: L. Weikel

Cold Snap

Yesterday afternoon’s wild line of storms that barged through our area ushered in an entirely new season. We’re now navigating some deliciously brisk fall weather! In fact, I’d almost go as far as to say we’re enjoying the first cold snap of the season. And let me tell you: there are two short-haired Boston Terrier puppies who take serious umbrage at this turn of events!

Pacha and Brutus are utterly worn out this evening. The sudden change in seasons wears us all out, pups. We humans can relate; at least I know the two-leggeds you’ve chosen to live with can.

Watching their reaction to the sudden shift in temperatures was fascinating. It started last night. Trying to get them to tinkle outside when it was not only raining but the temperature had dropped 30 degrees or so was, umm, frustrating. They obviously wanted no part of that nonsense.

Both of them immediately headed back onto the porch, demanding immediate re-entry into the warm (dry) house. It was a test of wills. Back and forth. Again and again. I have to give it to them (especially Pacha): they are stubborn. Ultimately, I’d say it was a draw, which isn’t exactly the best outcome, but oh well.

Sheila: Mother of a Grand Tradition of Warmth – Photo: L. Weikel

This Shivering

Oh my, let me tell you. The shivering we witnessed today! As it is, they’re tiny and adorable little Beings. But when they start trembling and looking up at you with those irresistible puppy eyes? Putty. You turn to putty. Naturally, lap time was essential.

I was quickly dispatched to locate some appropriate fall weather fashions to keep these sensitive loves warm. Sheila and Spartacus had long since grown out of any puppy-sized sweaters or coats. In fact, we walked so often and so religiously that they wore out most of their clothing. Spartacus was definitely wearing some threadbare ensembles last year.

The other day, Pacha balked at wearing a harness that required her to put her head through a loop. (Brutus couldn’t care less.) I was surprised to find a harness for her that just allows her to step into it. No over-the-head stuff involved. (Wow, these dogs are spoiled. Sheila and Spartacus never had so many options.)

I was wondering, then, how they would react to putting on a ‘coat.’ Suffice it to say, there was no need. In true Boston Terrier fashion, they took to these fleece jackets like ducks to water. Not a single struggle or whimper; indeed, both fell deeply asleep as soon as they got warm and cozy.

Bottom Line

The ultimate take-away from this experience so far is that donning warm fleece jackets may be just the ticket to lulling two little puppies to sleep.

Can you imagine how hard they’re going to fall for the fireplace? I suspect that’s when we’re going to see some major inter-species snuggling (and vying for the best spots in front of the hearth).

Every day holds a new adventure. Thanks for sharing them with us!

 

(T-40)

Odd Ducks – Day 1054

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Mergansers? Odd Ducks – Photo: L. Weikel

Odd Ducks

Another month is over. Only three remain in 2021. Campaign signs are sprouting up on lawns and proliferating in the ‘unoccupied territories’ of weeds near stop signs. It seems like nothing changes. And yet, at the same time, we know everything does. We know it and yet a part of us works overtime to remain in denial. We humans are odd ducks indeed.

One thing that’s changed dramatically since last week is the weather. Suddenly it’s fall. There’s an unmistakable shift in the air. It’s crisper. And the light? It’s gone by 7:15 p.m.  All of which means it’s time to start thinking about hunkering down.

Photo: L. Weikel

Quick Reminder

Since we’re starting a new month tomorrow (today by the time you read this), it’s incumbent upon me to remind you of your opportunity to enter into active relationship with Nature and the spirits of your land (no matter where you live) to create balance and minimize the effects of climate change.

Yes, I’m reminding you to whip out your Essence of Perelandra bottle and engage in the Essence of Perelandra Biodiversity Project. It literally takes no more than five minutes to employ this process yet the impact is profound. And it has a cumulative effect, so no matter when you start, know that every time you do it, you’re reinforcing your connection with the appropriate nature spirits and making life better for all Beings.

It amazes me to realize I’ve been writing about the EoP Biodiversity Project for over two years. Perhaps it’s because it’s so simple, people are inclined to think it’s not powerful. And yet…

Handsome Young Buck – Photo: L. Weikel

They Need Us to Care

I ran into this guy the other day (luckily not literally). I just love his antlers. They seem so young and tentative, and yet he is the model of virility. I was pleased he allowed me to get so close to him.

It’s time to use our power for good. If we see dithering elsewhere, we need to get to the point. We’re being asked to walk our talk. It’s time.

(T-57)

Rapturous Beauty – Day 694

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Rays of Hope – Photo: L. Weikel

Rapturous Beauty

I’ve always loved living where four distinct seasons occur. And I’ve never quite been able to name a favorite season. Each has its own unique charm and reasons to love it. But I have to say, this fall, beginning just at the equinox (September 22) and persisting into this October, has kissed us with some rapturous beauty.

On our walk this evening, it was almost as if Karl and I were struck dumb with the surreal beauty that kept unfolding around us. Funny thing is, not only was it unfolding around us, but it also felt as though it were wrapping us up, cocooning us, enfolding us in a warm embrace of hope.

Propaganda

We are being subjected to some pretty thick and intense propaganda lately. We’re being whipsawed from one dire situation to another, one outrageous slashing of norms and decency to the next.

As a result, we’re left feeling vulnerable and raw.

And what message do we keep receiving day after day? Take a walk. Look up. Immerse yourself in nature. Listen to the crickets. Notice the clouds. Watch the wind swirl the leaves off the trees and carry them miles away.

Hopefully, this pandemic has shifted all of our lives enough to make every single one of us realize just how important maintaining a direct connection with Mother Nature.

If you’re still on the fence, I offer you the two photos I’m including in this post. Look at them. They are unfiltered.

Open Your Heart

I love how rays of light piercing the sky the way they are in the photo at the top of this post make me feel that hope is alive and well and an utterly vital sense to have and maintain.

And then – I don’t know what to tell you. The photo below, which is simply a shot of some of the wonderful trees lining the dirt road that we walk along every night, makes my heart want to break wide open in an outpouring of joy.

I realize that sounds radical and a bit weird. It’s not necessarily a unique or special photograph in many senses of the word. But there’s something about it. Every time I look at it, I feel a tug in my heart. I almost feel tears starting to form. I can’t explain it.

But maybe you will feel it too.

And if so, then my work for the evening is complete.

Sunset through the Trees – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-417)