Finally blooming, TGIF and Twiggy

- My red geranium blooming like crazy in the cold weather after having a lackluster summer.

- Stopping in for a celebratory "TGIF" cafe latte at ChocoLaté Coffee. And going into orbit because it is so strong. And it is a banner day indeed: Joanne has brought in Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

- My neighbor's cat Twiggy has passed away after a good long, lively life. Since I was sometimes enlisted to watch over her when her owner was out of town, Twiggy always associated me with someone who could open her front door for her and never did understand why sometimes I could not.

Trees, more trees and unsung heroes

- Arriving home earlier than usual and finding the sun dappling through the trees breathtaking.

- During a work road trip, the view from the top of Spaghetti Junction shows miles of red, gold and orange leaved Maple trees with the skyline of Atlanta in the distance.

- At the mid-week church dinner, sitting with beloved friends while they planned an upcoming prayer weaving for Advent. And enjoying the blackberry cobbler that Marjory alerted me to before it was all gone, since I am prone to dillydallying.

A new day, truth and sunrise

Rising by Bob Trammell

- Falling asleep with the television on and waking in the wee hours to an eloquent speech. No more red states or blue states today, just the United States.

- The wisdom of Jannie, passing this on to her daughter: "...no matter how bad the truth may seem, it’s the only way to go."

- With the return to Eastern Standard Time, my commute begins in the dark and ends with the sun just risen. The sky this morning has a rosy glow.

Election day, commute and that's it

- Taking the scenic route to work so that I can see how long the line is at my regular voting place, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. At 6:30am people were running out of their cars to get in line. (Looked like about an hour wait.) Mt. Moriah's claim to fame: Gladys Knight (of the Pips) began singing there as a child in the church choir.

- Another voting place, Henderson Mill Elementary School, looked like about a two hour wait. On their sign they advertise a "Piggy Opera" that the kindergarten is putting on next week. On Album 88, the very laid-back student DJ says, "Just another day.....NOT!"

- From Mr. C's Sign: Vote for Meatloaf

Peach bread, always extra and nurture

- Brunch with Mom and Dad. Fresh Peach bread browned in the oven, bacon, yogurt and coffee. The bread was a gift from Susan's shop and made at Courson's Winery.

- The marvel of how my parents always have a supply of everything they will ever need. Me - I run out of everything and then go get it.

- And so, with the return of my cold, being packed off with a unopened box of tissues for the drive home. They have tons more.

THE cutest, local eats and warmth

Raisin' Cane

- Going by to catch up with friend Susan and her dog Raisin at her shop during a visit to my hometown this weekend. She entered Raisin in the cutest dog contest in the local newspaper and she came in second. A crime, I say!

- Catfish fillets, cheese grits, coleslaw and hushpuppies at Choby's*, Mom and Dad's favorite place down by the lake.

- The chivalry of my father, seeing that I was chilly in the restaurant, insisting that I wear his jacket.

*(I am certain Little River Park has permission to use that song on their website. And the song is probably sexist, but OMG it made me laugh out loud!)

What I did on Halloween, All Saints' Day and a life well lived

Someone kept coming out and giving ETA updates

- The big plan: to get in line around 6:45pm on Friday evening, since the line cuts off at 7pm for Advance Voting. Maybe people will be home waiting for Trick-or-Treaters, I thought. Nope - it took 3 hours to vote, but I got to know all the people around me, always a good thing.

- An email from a high school classmate about her father's memorial service today. Family members said that in the days leading up to his death in his beloved Hawaii, he spoke of Halloween being his favorite holiday. So they would like attendees to wear either a Hawaiian shirt or Halloween shirt of some kind for the service today - appropriately on All Saints' Day. She added, "We want to celebrate his life and peaceful death, not mourn our loss of him."

I am on the mailing list for the Organic Farmers' Market held in Decatur, GA every Wednesday afternoon and go by when I can. One of my favorite people there, Omar, has passed away. I bought kale from him just a few weeks ago. He had a thousand kilowat smile and was just the nicest man. I include part of his tribute from the email here because it is so beautifully written and so spot on.

- "A Cultivator of Change...
The Georgia Organics community has lost a dear friend and wonderful
supporter this week. A dedicated and gifted market gardener, Omar generously shared his knowledge and love of all things organic and sustainable with people of all ages, and was an active participant in Georgia Organics' Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program. Children held a special place in Omar's heart, and were always welcome at Omar's Lake Oconee Garden, where Omar and his wife often hosted educational outings.

Omar spoke of being inspired by the memories of growing up on his grandparents' farm, and the taste of fresh grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Omar certainly passed along that inspiration. His special kind of caring and attention came through in everything he did, and is reflected in the legacy of respect for nature and community that he leaves, along with the esteem and love that is felt for him by so many people. He will be deeply missed, but he will be well remembered."