A cool and breezy Friday

A friend texted me this - 

The other day when it rained. 

Pretty.

Last night, the temperature dipped into the 50s for the first time, prompting me to finally close my bedroom window. We still don't need an extra blanket.

This morning dawned with a chill and wind that whipped through the air, making it feel even colder. Last night, as I settled in, I began to feel an all-too-familiar ache creeping into my knee—an unwelcome reminder from my old friend, Arthritis, as if to say,

"Hey, Remember Me?" 

I came across some information that explained the presence of an oily fluid, known as synovial fluid, in our joints. This fluid serves as a lubricant, helping to reduce friction and allowing smooth movement between the cartilage surfaces. However, in colder temperatures, the viscosity of this fluid can increase, making it thicker and more sluggish. This change can hinder its ability to adequately lubricate the joints, leading to stiffness and discomfort during movement. As a result, many people may experience increased joint pain when temperatures drop, particularly if they have underlying conditions like arthritis.

I relaxed with a gel heating pad on my knee, both yesterday and this morning. A hot shower helped as well, and I took some Tylenol since that’s the only pain reliever I can use. I'm allergic to Aleve, and Advil really upsets my stomach.

As I enter my 70th Fall/Winter season, I'm unsure of what to expect as I age. It seems that every year, something new pops up. Typically, my arthritis eases after a few days and flares up, if there’s a sudden drop in temperature. 

You just learn to live with it—what else can you do? There are certainly worse health challenges to confront.

My husband really did a lot of work clearing out the Vinca—he removed it in some areas down to the soil and also removed two bushes on this part of the hill. Now it looks empty, but I like it. There's less to manage now.

It’s the same on this side of the hill. He removed the pampas grass and another bush.

He mowed the weeds. 

Here's one of the bait traps that the professionals set out yesterday. They suspect there may also be rats under our shed. There are no rat droppings inside the shed so far. 

We haven't seen any rats and haven't put out any birdseed. However, at dusk Susie sits by the back door, watching the outside.

Cats know things! She runs from window to window to look out and then gets all excited and scampers down the hallway, using her Steven King Meow. 

Yep, she knows all about what is going on in the backyard at night. 

Our California fuchsias truly showcase their vibrant beauty during the fall and winter months, brightening up the season. These thrive in cooler temperatures, bringing a burst of life to gardens and landscapes just when many other blooms have faded.

We should get more of them since they are a spindly plant that wouldn't provide a good place for rats to roost. Wait a minute. Do rats actually roost?

I remember when this pine was about 15 inches tall and served as a living Christmas tree on the patio about ten years ago. Now, it stands at around 10 feet or more.

The crepe myrtle is turning...

The tree that the birds so generously gifted me is a Redbud, I believe. These beautiful trees are plentiful in the area, and when they reach maturity, their leaves glimmer in the sunlight like a cascade of silver dollars. 

I always find it difficult to justify cutting down a tree, particularly one that feels like a cherished offering from the birds.

As the temperatures begin to drop, shamrocks start to bloom, revealing their vibrant green hues. Every year, I find myself reminiscing about how this particular plant came into our lives. It was a humble gift from my father-in-law, initially nestled in a small, struggling 4-inch pot. Over time, it has flourished remarkably and now resides in a robust 12-inch pot. While it might be somewhat root-bound, I suspect it thrives in this environment—some plants do prefer the snugness of limited space, allowing their growth to burst forth with flowers.  For us, this shamrock is more than just a plant; it carries with it a deep sentimental value that makes it all the more special. Thanks, Pops! 

The husband is baking his challah bread and soon the house will smell delightful. 

So another weekend is upon us. I plan to study, and maybe we'll take a drive—or not.  I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend, doing what you want, and not what you have to. 

Until next time,

Debby

 

PS: Shoe Fire is standing at 4,179 Acres and 8% containment. 

Almighty and eternal God, we ask for Your protection against this destructive fire. While fire is essential, uncontrolled, it can cause great damage. Keep our community—homes, fields, wildlife, and forests—safe. We ask for safety for the firefighters, especially after a long season. Give them the strength and resolve they need to complete this mission. Calm the winds, bring the rains so we can close the books,  on this fire season. In Jesus's Name, we thank you.  

Amen!