Braxton Hiking with his mom

Today in North Idaho it is overcast with a high of 39°.  Snow is showing this Friday in the forecast and I still have leaves on the ground and potted plants to bring in.  I hope everyone got out to vote yesterday!!!

I’ve had a few months off of work and will be starting back next week.  I have managed to travel, hike, garden and paint the majority of the inside of my Little Nest.  I have taken you along during my recent travels and I hope you enjoyed the photos.  I planted many azaleas this summer as well as a large honeysuckle, a lilac bush and installed a couple of lavender bushes at the beginning of my walkway to the front of the house.  They smell heavenly and are purple in color and I am excited for them to flourish and greet my family and guests.

I also was able to see more of my grandson, Braxton, shown in the photo above.  He is such a happy little fellow with perfect feet and a curious mind.  I see everything good in the world through him.  His parents are blessed with his birth as they believed they could not have children.  I am unsure if that makes this child all the more brilliant in our eyes or if it is just his general joyful disposition.  He is the reason for this blog and the treasure that puts my life in perspective.

I went for an early morning walk along the lake with my friend and her dog, Samson.  A morning walk always gives the day such a settled feeling.  Most of the leaves have fallen in preparation for winter and the lake is clear and calm.  I’ll continue with my painting project today which now finds me in the spare bedroom.  I have a cup of hot tea, a fire to keep the house warm, Howard’s End on the television for company and my favorite socks made of bamboo which are like heaven.

Counting my blessings in North Idaho and the change in seasons that is upon me. The holidays are coming and I enjoy all the festivities in this small mountain area and the family events that are to come.

Today I remind my small band of readers to focus on the hours in front of them.  Inject the things you love and adore regularly into your day and arrange to come in contact with them to lift your spirits. Put a smile in your way and trip over it often.