Today we took a lovely, somewhat strenuous walk up and down some of the hills on the other side of the Mystic River. It was a bright and breezy day, perfect fall weather with some brightening trees and many leaves strewn along the streets. We kept a brisk pace, as we always try to do, but I must confess to getting totally tired on the long uphills. But . . . I did it, we both did it -- another of hundreds 

of wonderful walks we've done together. 

* a pause on our walk *

Mowed the lawn this afternoon,

following the mower back and forth 

and round and round

under the clearest blue sky 

and surrounded by 

the coolest, sweetest autumn air. 

Lucky me! 

Off to London and Paris on Friday!!

A poem for today:

AUTUMN

He sees the patience of the universe

when leaves begin to fall. There is no rush

or frenzy as the golden leaves disperse

around the town, but just the gentle brush

of autumn as it spreads its mild grace

across the lawns. There’s calmness in the air

that makes him calm. The slow but sure embrace

of fall confers its comfort like a prayer.