rainy october saturday

Birdbath in my garden.

Mini pumpkins I grew myself, sitting on my sundial.

I LOVE rainy, windy Saturdays in autumn. This morning I went to the theater to finish up painting the Epic Proportions set. The rain blew in spatters against the windows as we painted and outside the leaves were swirling against the gray sky. It was perfect painting weather, tucked away warm and creative in the church fellowship hall, music playing, and chatting with other members. Did I mention that this is our temporary theater home? We're renting out the fellowship hall until we find a theater to call our own. The church members have been so welcoming.

Leaves in my driveway.

Leaves all over my yard!

I went out to lunch with Jim and ate Chinese food, and here I am back at home, relishing one of those rare wonderful weekend evenings at home with nowhere to go. I'm planning on taking a short nap, cooking dinner, watching a movie on the couch, taking a jacuzzi bath, and maybe having a beer or two. Or three. Wearing my softest, least-flattering sweatpants. Hanging out, reading blogs, snuggling with Sophie and the cats.

I've been needing this so much!

life is whirling

Kendall, age 1.

Annabel, age 4.

Cerenna, at her 1st birthday party.

Sophie, shaved down to 1/8".

I'm so far behind with blogging, I don't even know where to begin. So much has happened. Maybe bullet points will suffice.

• I went to Washington, D.C. on business, then visited Laura in New Jersey.
• I went to Cerenna's 1st birthday party at Java Jungle.
• I saw my friends in the play "Steel Magnolias" at Hawthorne Valley.
• I had a blind date in a group setting. Didn't go so well, but at least I'm out there. I guess.
• I've been working feverishly on the set for Epic Proportions, painting camels and pyramid backdrops.
• I hurt my back lifting a fake wooden palm tree down from someone's garage rafters. Don't ask.
• Sophie got shaved at the groomer's.
• I almost went up in a hot air balloon, but it got canceled due to wind. We're trying again this Sunday.
• I saw Morrissey in concert.
• The older of my brothers (I'm the oldest) got engaged.
• My younger of my brothers is going to be a father. It's a long story.
  
• I herxed last week, the worst I have since spring. I'm better now. But it was a doozie that attacked my vision, speech, legs, heart, and breathing. Good times.
• I absolutely love the new shows "Samantha Who?" and "Pushing Daisies". And of course, "Grey's Anatomy" does not disappoint.
  

O.K., now you're up to date! I'm going to bed.

up all night

So worth it to be out late on a Monday night!
(Click photos for larger views).