Indian Summer

We are in the midst of the most perfect fall weather known to man. The leaves are changing from green to orange, red and yellow. We have had some rain after several months of drought. Our pond is filling up. The turtles and muskrat had not abandoned the pond during the dry conditions. Sandhill cranes, Canadian geese, deer, raccoons, and pheasants have left their tracks in the muddy banks. The animals don’t seem to mind the low water levels, but Quinn is hoping for a pond large enough to skate on this winter, and weather cold enough to freeze it.

Brent and Quinn are off to Appleton this morning to look for new ice skates, and some other hockey essentials. Hockey season is upon us, and is causing me the usual mixture of emotions. Quinn likes hockey. He likes to skate, and be a part of a team. He isn’t a star, but he always trys, and he has fun. These are all good things in my opinion. On the flip side, hockey season runs our lives. Free time after school and on weekends is dictated by practices and games. We start to live in this pressure cooker caused by the need to balance work, school, sport and leisure. I am determined to find a better approach.

VACATION UPDATE: Our camping trip was outstanding! I won’t bore you with a play by play of what we did, but please visit the Duluth area if you have an interest in the diversity and beauty that natural forces can create, all on their own, without human intervention. We traveled 1200 miles, and spent countless hours walking, hiking, watching, dreaming, and being. Stepping outside your comfort zone even this little bit is like starting over. The biggest impact came when we returned home, and realized that much of what we passionate about, that we traveled many miles to experience, also exists just out our back door.

When my family returns in a few hours, we are heading out to the fire tower at a nearby state park. You can see for miles from the top, and the autumn leaves should provide a colorfull view. Hope you are enjoying you day as much as we are.