Tuesday's Hidden Tidbits

This morning we have smoke - 

The Shoe Fire here in Shasta County,  is at 5,124 acres and is 29% contained. 

As you can see, the sweet gum is starting to showcase 

the very beginnings of fall color...

I'm doing laundry. 

I program my washer to start around 5 a.m. to use the lower rate for electricity. 

We do the same with the dishwasher. 

I plan to start getting my cooler clothes out - and refreshed (jeans and long sleeves) although I tend to run hot - it's still good to start getting them washed and ready. I won't have the time to be doing all of this, during the holidays. 

This morning was the coldest so far - 47* 

It will be 75* for a high today. To me, those are perfect temperatures. 

This Redbud tree (which is more like a bush) that the birds gifted us, has some beautiful color. 

We will keep this one. 

As I’ve shared previously, my roses thrive beautifully in the cooler months here. My theory is during our scorching and arid summers, the heat saps the energy from my roses, preventing them from blooming abundantly. They survive the sweltering days, conserving their strength, and when the refreshing coolness of autumn arrives, they burst forth with vibrant blossoms, bringing life and color back to the garden.  

I can always count on my roses. 

When nurtured in the right conditions, I can thrive and blossom, regardless of the challenges life presents me. Their vibrant petals and resilient stems remind me that beauty and strength can emerge even from adversity. I make sure now to take moments for myself to rest and rejuvenate my soul by allowing time for devotion, prayer, and reflection, embracing stillness in this busy and confused world. These times of dormancy are essential for my growth and well-being, allowing me to emerge refreshed and ready to bloom. 

Yesterday, I bid farewell to my Christian counselor. I sought her guidance after a painful fallout with my stepdaughter, which left me feeling betrayed and hurt. I allowed those feelings to weigh me down, but now I recognize that those past issues are behind me. This newfound clarity empowers "this rose"  to look ahead with strength and positivity. It’s a good feeling, and I’m grateful to God for Kristina, who helped me get "unstuck."

The geraniums will stay outside for the winter. 

Early this morning, we heard water hitting the roof near the kitchen window and thought it was heavy rain. However, my husband found out that a sprinkler head had broken, shooting a powerful spray of water high into the air - it looked like Old Faithful. 

A mum that I have had for several years - 

That's all I have for this morning - or afternoon where most of you are at. 

Enjoy today! 

Debby