Dear Reader:

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” -Albert Camus

This beautiful quote  is so true. In the autumn we just trade the beauty of flowers…for leaves…glorious leaves of every color!

“Big Red” has had a few bumps in the road with soft-wearied stems that break easily,  but just in the last few weeks I have noticed a change and for the first time three healthy-looking big, red blooms have emerged. Since I look on “Big Red” as a personal health indicator …this has been a much-needed improvement relief!

“Big Red” is still hanging in there with me! The bench would be so empty without it….I can’t remember a time when “Big Red” didn’t sit on the white front porch bench….it has been there since May 2008. The same amount of time I have been fighting breast cancer (it was given to me as a gift after my initial diagnosis)…and this loyal geranium has never deserted me.

I have to keep cutting back large stems of leaves (which I hate doing) but “Big Red” likes to grow out instead of up so eventually the weight of the stems start breaking and pulling loose from its foundation.

*I find myself doing the same thing these days… slumping more…instead of sitting and standing up straight and tall. I am now consciously, stopping and making myself do better. It really changes one’s whole appearance when we do throw back our shoulders and look the world straight in the eyes! (Mother was right!)

And speaking of eyes...I finished  my last appointment (concerning the cataract surgery) with my ophthalmologist, Dr. Leslie Scarlett yesterday. I got a good report and a good send-off! I didn’t even get a prescription because I don’t need eye glasses to see or read or anything else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My eyes look “perfect.”

A big check-off  from this medical undertaking ….now I need to get the same check-off for “little c”…that is my goal..one day…one day…everything will look “perfect”!

The nice thing about planting mums is that if a branch breaks off…then you have a lovely little flower arrangement.

In Summerville we know autumn has arrived with the opening of the Lincolnville Pumpkin Patch. I passed it on my way to my eye appointment, pulled over, and took a picture!

Once I pulled on to Ladson road the train caught me and I had to wait for it to pass. Anne called and I said I could talk because it was a long train. And it was!

After the rail bars finally lifted to let the traffic start flowing again…it was really congested and I got stuck behind a truck…I glanced at my Iphone and started getting nervous that I was going to be late for my appointment. My toes and fingers started tapping in anxiousness . I thought “If only that truck would turn so I could get past it and on down the road. ”

Another God Wink…I read the sign on the back of the truck and laughed….I made my appointment on time and I was smiling when I got there.

When I got home there was a letter addressed to Anne and me from the director of the Dorchester DSS. I called Anne, she was actually just a few miles away running errands, and she came over for us to read it. She had had a tough day and this letter lifted both of us up high!

Dear Ms. Dingle and Ms. Peterson, 

First, let me start off by saying thank you for all that you have done for the citizens of Dorchester County. I have personally witnessed how your acts of kindness have brought joy to those that come to visit the Dorchester County DSS office. Often times, these people are not visiting the office under the best of circumstances and to be met by the two of you offering “cold water and warm cookies” truly does brighten up their day.

The Dorchester County Department of Social Services would gladly welcome the two of you returning for another season of passing out cold water and warm cookies to citizens visiting the office. 

Sincerely, John Dunne

……………………..

“The Good Lord Willing and the Creek don’t Rise” we will be there next May through August. Perhaps bottled spring water really is the “living waters.”

I told Dr. Scarlett that this Fall will be the prettiest one yet….with my new “eyes” and the light shining in. I discovered this most unusual stained glass of autumn leaves and loved it-wanted to share with you!

So until tomorrow…Let’s open our hearts and eyes to the second season of spring….Fall with all its glorious leaves!

“Today is my favorite day!” Winnie the Pooh

Happy Birthday John! To my favorite son-in-law! I hope you and Mandy have a wonderful birthday weekend in Asheville! Tigger, Eva Cate, Jakie and I will play play play the time away!

*The Fall season also means class pictures and Mandy sent me Eva Cate’s class photo last night. I know I am a “peacock” grandmother…but that is the cutest first grade picture of my precious girl…that I can see even better this year!

*It is one of those rare times in life when we can actually “see” time…class pictures!