7 Quick Takes

1. I have serious leaf envy this time of year. Having lived in New England years ago, I know the delights of a good deluge of flaming red and golden leaves.

2. Want proof? Look at this girl...

 

...and this guy.

 

Those photos were taken 100 years ago, before tour after Navy tour brought us to balmy climates.

3. Last year we made a well-timed trip to the Pacific Northwest and the kiddos got to do some leaf-pile manhandling.

 

4. This year we're surrounded by these not-so-leafy types.

 

 

If a frond falls from one of these and you happen to be standing beneath, you'd better say a prayer.

When I need to remember the dramatic effects of cool fall days on deciduous trees, I click over here for Sarah's post on gratuitous leaf leaping.

Then I sigh, put on my flip-flops and head to the beach, being careful to dodge plummeting palms fronds.

5. C started a new gymnastics class yesterday. He moved up to the 3-year-old group, even though he's just shy of 2-and-a-half. I had misgivings about this. He's so little and this class requires going solo, without my help and assurance.

L and I watched through the window. C fared fabulously. His teacher is a disciplined but enthusiastic father of four. The rest of the tiny gymnasts in the class are 3-year-old girls (no big-boy bullies, praise God).

With his quiet eagerness and constant toothy smile, C held his own. I think some of those girls are already starting to adore him.

6. A few weeks ago, on the night before Halloween, our neighborhood library held its annual costume-judging contest. Our 4-year-old L had remembered it from last year, when she went dressed as Angelina Ballerina and won a prize for "Best Literary Character."

She was primed for another trophy, this year dressed as Cinderella.

Well, the evening came and went without producing a trophy for L. Another girl in her category also came dressed as Cinderella and took home honors for "Most Beautiful."

Needless to say, L was crushed. She sobbed on the walk home, when we had to have difficult words about how not everyone could win a prize and we need to be gracious about not winning.

Her graciousness was tested upon our return home, when she had to deliver the "Most Original" prize to her little brother for his shark costume. He had left with Papa before the end of the judges' announcements.

It was painful, but I think L grew up a little that night.

7. Finally, a little thank-you to the veterans I know: my late grandfathers, my dad, my big brother and my husband.

As I explained to L on Wednesday why our usually bustling little town was so quiet that day, I realized how nearly impossible it is for her to understand a need for honoring those who give us national protection and defend our allies against enemies.

"It's like a birthday party for the Navy," she concluded.

Sort of.

I'm glad L doesn't yet have a concept for anyone wanting to do harm to others or to her. Sadly, someday she will. Hopefully there will always be men and women willing to work as protectors.

And I'm so glad to be part of a community that honors and embraces not just service members, but entire military families. I am humbled.


Enjoy more quick takes with a cup of spiced cider this weekend and find yourself a big heap of leaves to frolic in--for me.