A LITTLE SPOOKY GOOD FUN

While waiting for Silas, Hallie decorated the front yard of their house for Halloween. She took these pictures with her phone, and I thought they turned out well. The little Tudor decorates nicely for any holiday.

AUTUMN AT THE FARM

Earth-tone beauty

The drive along the Clearwater River as we traveled to the farm on Sunday (Oct. 24) was beautiful – lots of autumn yellow. And that yellowness continued on the grade. It was a beautiful autumn world.

Bush in question to left of center

It rained a lot Sunday afternoon. We spent the night but decided to return to town Monday afternoon, mostly because of the weather. The rain makes the ground muddy. As much as I’d like to spend more time on the farm during the cold months, it’s just not a pleasant stay when it’s chilly and wet. I don’t mind too much. I just stay in the house and enjoy the view, but Bess has to be cleaned every time she comes into the house.

Bush showing fall colors

I DID enjoy the autumn views, even though it's basically bleak. Looking toward the pond from the dining room window, I could see a bush I’d never noticed before. That is, of course I knew the bush was there, but I don’t think I’d ever seen it in autumn. It was red and yellow intermingled. I just had to get closer to see that bush.

Close-up of bush

So, before we left Monday afternoon, Bess and I took a turn around the pond so that I could take pictures, which I post here. Perhaps you can see that the leaves are yellow but the stems are red. The bush also has red berries.

Oh! You would ask for the name of the bush. I don’t know. I’m sure I could find out but not right now. I do know that Mike planted it, though. It's not an old timer. KW

The maple in the front yard looking spooky

AUTUMN PROGRESSION

It’s no secret that the vegetation suffered in the excessive summer heat. As we walk our town neighborhood, we see trees that appear to be dead. They say that this “warmer than normal” trend will continue. We’ll have to learn to work with it or quit trying, I guess. And it's not just here. The availability of fruits and vegetables will become problematic.

 

Our purple ash turns early and always gives us a nice display of autumn color. 

Here it is in all its glory. 

The purple ash leaves are gone now, while a maple in the neighbor’s yard still clings to most of its leaves.

 

Our little maple has yet to turn color.

 

 

And this “burning bush” at our front door is beautiful, but Mike plans to pull it out because it crowds the pathway.

 

 

[Posting this was difficult. Not enough words to balance the photos, I guess.] KW

 

PARTING -- SUCH SWEET SORROW

The time of leave-taking had come, so Hallie dressed Silas in his Halloween sleeper, and we took parting photos. He was fussy as she put him into his car seat. “I hate to think of you driving with him if he’s crying,” I said, but Hallie said, “He won’t be crying.” And the minute she set him in the car, he ceased complaining.

I was almost teary as I said good-bye to Hallie at the airport. It wasn’t just leaving her and Silas, but the airport seemed overwhelming. My bag was so heavy that we decided I should check it. After I found my way through baggage check, I found my way through security and then on to my gate. Sounds easy in words, but in reality, I found it daunting. But – I did it. I actually flew into Pullman with 80+ other travelers, and the next time will be easier. Hallie says there will be a next time.

Seattle from the air was beautiful, all dressed in autumn finery, especially yellow. We left Seattle 20 minutes late but arrived in Pullman on time. I saw Mike pull into the parking lot as I awaited my bag.

Now I’m home, and it’s on to “next things,” whatever those are. I packed my flannel scraps into a storage box this morning. That phase is over. KW

TIME TO GO HOME

Silas Fox at one week

I will miss little Silas, but I can’t stay here forever. The family needs their space, and besides, I’m not sure I’m all that helpful. I need to return to my own life – my husband, my house, my own bed, and my projects. Provided I make it through the airport and onto the plane tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 19), Mike will pick me up at the Moscow-Pullman Airport. I should be home by 3:00 p.m.

Someone reminded us the other day of the book, Silas Marner. I think I read it in high school. Hallie has ordered it from the library, and I downloaded it as an audiobook. How long has it been since you read Silas Marner? Do you remember the story?

Silas and Gramma Kathy, bonding

Our Silas is a pretty good baby. Oh, he has a temper, but he can also be quietly awake and take good long naps. Hallie is able to juggle his care with household chores.

And Nick is a “Silas whisperer.” Silas responds well to his dad’s firm handling. And a fussy Silas is calmed when Nick carries him up and down the basement stairway. “I don’t know why this works,” says Nick, “but it does.” KW

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH SILAS FOX

Silas Fox, 4 days old

Our new grandson’s given name is “Silas Fox.”

“Why is his middle name 'Fox,'" I asked. “Is it a family name on Nick’s side?”

No, Nick and Hallie explained, they just like it. And they like foxes. Maybe it’s even a theme in their kitchen. And “Fox” appears on the list of name suggestions, they said, but they decided not to use it as a first name.  

Silas Fox, 4 days old

Hallie had planned that I would come to visit them soon after Silas was born, so on Thursday (10-14-21), I flew to Seattle. Silas was a rather unhappy camper that first afternoon and evening. Then he and his mom turned a corner in his care, and he began to sleep and also enjoy some quiet awake time. He’s a very good baby -- today anyway.

Not much to report right now. KW

LITTLE SILAS

 

We knew "Little Guy" was a boy, but his name was a well-guarded secret. Silas was born today (10-11-21) at 12:27 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. Everyone is fine. KW