Watched!

Someone apparently lost their bearings on this cool autumn day and took a wrong turn. What possible explanation is there for this scaly little fella to be hanging around my back door? Surely he is not thinking about hibernating in or near our foundation. A cozy concrete retreat for two perhaps?

A face only a mother could love? He's cute close up but from
afar—shiver me timbers! Even garter snakes eek me out.

This "feather-faced" lover boy let his existance be known by situating himself only inches from the patio and refusing to move—despite consistent foot traffic from my dog and me. He simply observed. No matter the direction: left, right, up, down, he'd adjust his ossified little skull oh so slightly so he could keep us in sight. 

When I realized that Romeo wasn't going anywhere soon, I grabbed my camera and started taking photos. He was unswayed. He stood his ground as I zoomed in and captured him from all sides. I was a mere foot and a half away in some instances. (I noted a slight grin in one photo pose.)

Why our Great Black Hunter lab didn't pick up on the snake's scent, I'll never know. She was within inches, yet she did not see it. 

Note: I went out an hour later to see if the garter snake was still around but he was not. "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?" You best not be in my basement!

Onions. . . Not So Much

"Variety is the spice of life" and I thought I'd add a bit to yours and mine with a handwritten post. But, after a few attempts, I decided to save it for another day. Who knew that endless hours of typing would affect one's ability to write.

And now to today's post. . .

The end is near. Within a matter of days, I will be back to buying tomatoes in the produce department of the local grocery store. I've enjoyed the fresh homegrown variety. This was a tomato kind of year here in Wisconsin. They were plentiful and flavorful.

The photo shows Sunday's end-of-garden harvest; as well as my willing assistant, Halle. With the exception of onions, she sampled mini versions of each vegetable. As it turns out, she is especially partial to cucumbers.

Joyful Connections

Two special packages arrived in Wednesday's mail. I was quite excited. This is why:

One contained the Look Book for Saint Elyns, a line of clothing our daughter, Jessie, is in the process of launching; as well as some items from (capsule) Trade Show. She displayed her clothing line at the show last month in New York. There was also a lovely handwritten postcard inside the envelope. 

The other package was from author Sharon Creech. She sent my granddaughters (and I) a signed copy of her latest book, The Unfinished Angel. She also sent autographed cards for each of the girls. I look forward to sharing these wonderful gifts with Lydia, Elyse and Samantha. I love Ms. Creech's writing and have a collection of her books. 

How joyful to have such thoughtful mail in my mailbox.

Another source of joy this week is the metal tin that sits in the back room next to the phone. It is packed plumb full of letters, notes and greeting cards sent by family and friends over the years. Although I'm certain there were many more, it is a significant collection.

Heartfelt handwritten communications are rare and should to be cherished. A recent article, Don't Write Anymore?, expresses similar sentiments. I couldn't always decipher the words my parents and grandparents wrote but I could clearly envision them sitting there writing them. 

I'd like to hear your thoughts about handwritten communications versus typed.

Note: I save my personal email messages and letters and organize them in files on my computer. Words are important—no matter how one chooses to communicate them.