Within a few days when the sun returns from its recent hiatus, I'll share some photos of the leaves turning color. What a show they provide each year in this part of the world! I must say I am fond of seasonal changes. I get excited by fall from the change in colors to the dropping of leaves, chilly nights, sudden crispness in the air. I love winter only because I love snow so if I'm going to live in a cold climate, it has to provide at least some proper snow storms. Maine should fit the bill. I am ecstatic when spring begins to wake up slowly, stretching itself out in the form of tiny flowers poking up from cold ground, leaf buds forming, birds talking all at once. Summer in Maine is the best, unlike our summers in the south which were brutal. My mother asked me recently if I missed the boat and I said, "Absolutely!". I miss Skylark and the water and our life as cruisers. Our memories are fond, making us smile when we tell stories or gaze at photos. Even the hard times provide us with gifts we are grateful for. I miss the water; I love living on water. But I love the mountains here in Bethel and don't for a moment regret our decision to move off the boat. I am happy developing my land legs.

On another note, my health issues have continued to be a challenge. That's the bad news. The good news is I believe there is a diagnosis in the works which should be confirmed in a couple of weeks after meeting with a specialist. I have started on medication that reduces the pain and inflammation by about 80-90%. That's a huge step forward. I was almost incapacitated prior to starting on the meds but am feeling closer to my old self now. It is shocking having been healthy and active my entire life only to have everything come to a screeching halt within 2 months of moving off the boat. Bizarre. Such is life but I do wonder if I would have had this occur while living on Skylark. I am assuming it would have happened regardless. Still, it is an intriguing question.

The photo is of an errant apple tree sitting on the edge of mom's property.