Happy Birthday Eliza!

This is a blog about moments. I remember my happiest moment of the year. It was in April, and some of us were visiting the California Kahles. We went to fairly fancy restaurant for dinner one night. Poppy was relegated to a high chair in the corner, but I pulled her out of there, and sat her on my lap. She couldn't walk yet, but her hands were very active. She made a grab for everything in sight, and most of it ended up in her mouth. I had to move very quickly to pull things away from her, and put them safely away just as she would reach for something new. The whole process filled me with joy. In short order, the table took on a new look. Everyone else sat before an elegant setting of china, silver and linen. In front of Poppy and me there was nothing to be found within the reach of her arms, and the area immediately out of harms way was a complete mess. Boy, we had a lot of fun.
So Happy Birthday today to the world's cutest baby. We love you so very much!

cooler

The Vermont State Fair has come and gone. Cooler at night, closing the windows at home, and turning on the heater in the car in the morning. Spent the weekend splitting wood. It is hard work, but there is a real sense of accomplishment. Now all I have to do is stack it. The full moon, the Harvest Moon was last night

pine cones

There are a number of pine trees along the walkway at work, and recently there have been a lot of pine cones dropping there. It took a few days, but, sure enough, they ended up becoming meals for squirrels and other animals in the area. It is amazing really, how all the pieces seem to fit together in the natural world. Summer turns to fall, and animals need to store up for the upcoming winter. Food falls from the sky just at the time it is needed. The squirrels return the favor by planting a few of the seeds in the process of getting ready for the cold season.

flower

The world...is generally inclined towards two (views): existence and non-existence. To them who perceive with right wisdom the uprising of the world as it has come to be, the notion of non-existence in the world does not occur...To them who perceive with right wisdom the ceasing of the world as it has come to be, the notion of existence in the world does not occur.
The Buddha
Zen page-a-day calendar

going away

Many of the changes that take place in the Fall are different than changes in the Spring. Things are going away rather than appearing. There are fewer bird calls in the morning now compared to a couple of months ago. Heal All scattered in the lawn. Ordinary, ubiquitous, but beautiful nonetheless.

cooling

Yesterday was hot. It was like the middle of July. During the summer, the ride from West Rutland to Ira after work is interesting. Because of the slight change in elevation, and moving toward the Ira creek, the temperature cools appreciably, at least five degrees. It's a great feeling in the summer, in the winter, not so much.

wood

Bringing chains for the chainsaw into Agway to be sharpened earlier in the week. Cutting up wood in the lower field for the winter's firewood supply. Deliveries of wood waiting to be stacked at Pete's & at the Higgs house. High school and college football has started. Students running in West Rutland, getting ready for the fall athletic season.