Sunday, September 20, 2020

Feels Like Fall

The start of this week was a bit of a return to summer. Remote learning didn't end up starting this week as the kids in cohort B (going to school Thurs/Fri) had not yet been issued their laptops, so Sam ended up with a few extra free days. She swam twice at the hotel pool and cajoled Neenie and Pip into ice cream pretty much every day 😂 You go girl! Milk it for all you can 😄😄



On the running front, it was a bit of a slow start to the week, but I finally got out there on Wednesday morning just as the sky was beginning to lighten for a road run around town. Happy to be out. Kept it fairly mellow. (7.2 miles)

Thursday's run started in the dark but I was able to turn my headlamp off midway through to finish up the final few miles in the murky semi-darkness of the overcast, humid, rather warm morning. (6.0 miles)



Thursday was Sam's first full day of school, and she came home with a lot to talk about, including her new school-issued laptop. Sounded like more of a "school" day than an orientation day, and for that, I think she was happy. So we were too!

Friday, I awoke early to rain and promptly went back to bed. I know we need it and it was definitely not enough, with Maine being in an official drought, but regardless, I was just not enthused. So instead, I headed out a bit later, did a few errands in town and then parked over at the field house for a run out through the Commons and Coleman Farm. Always a good route. A cool, breezy and overcast morning, felt like fall, with some good sights along the way. Saw eleven egrets out in the marsh grasses at Coleman Farm, watched a bald eagle harass a gaggle of geese out in the Pennelville fields, prompting them to fly up in unison, protesting loudly, and enjoyed the multitude of asters and the sweet smell that means autumn is imminent. (10.0 miles)



In the yard, I've been enjoying the colorful ironweed that is brightening our front garden bed, as well as the many goldfinch that have been gathering and feasting out back. One morning, I counted 36 of them, although the image below shows only 20-ish! Wow! That's a lot of finch!



And we have two young fox kits coming by - they are so health looking with beautiful coats. Always so happy to see them. I loved this photo, where the squirrel seems to be saying, is it safe? I want some seed too! 😆

We didn't do as good of a job with walks this week, as Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sam spent the afternoon with my parents, and then she walked home from school with her buddies on Thursday. But Friday, she got a ride home and so after a quick snack, she and I headed across the street for a short walk to catch up on the day and enjoy the afternoon sunshine. (1.8 miles walked)



Some sort of ladies' tresses, I think

Dagger moth caterpillar

💜

Saturday, we got out for a lovely walk in the afternoon down in Harpswell with Mom and Dad at Otter Brook Preserve. While this trail system offers a bit more understated beauty than those with ocean views, it is still quite lovely. (1.9 miles walked)



Surprised to see a few bunchberry flowers in bloom

Pretty colors of the indian wild cucumber




😄😄

Sunday, I had planned to get over to Bradbury for a solo UXBBA but honestly, it was just a bit too anxiety producing, which seems silly, but it's true, so I got back into bed instead and then went out later in the morning for a nice run on the powerlines and the Gone Fishing mountain bike trails. Beautiful out with cool, crisp air and bright sunshine. (10.3 miles)


Then we finished up the weekend with a nice afternoon walk on the Devil's Back Trail with Mom and Dad. The chill in the air that arrived on Friday remained, but the sun is bright and warm. Beautiful out in the woods and along the water's edge. (1.1 miles walked)


Fall 🍁🍂







 

No comments: