Hello October

Almost all calendars here in the house have been turned to the new month.  A heavy blanket of cloud blocks the sun. 

Four layers kept me warm during this morning's walk.  

Pumpkins are turning.  Leaves are falling.

I guess this all adds up to a perfect day for this year's edition of Oct. 1 to roll around. 

The earth here in the Selle area has received a good scrub down during yesterday's afternoon thunder storms, and the next several days promise what we all live for in October: fall days loaded with brilliance, crisp nights and the last beautiful hurrah before that dead season arrives. 

We can't waste too much time these daily gifts, as they suddenly seem dramatically shorter.  

I took advantage of yesterday's unsettled rainy weather to go full speed ahead on an editing project and, with bleary eyes, finished the first go-round by late afternoon.

That opens up today for more enjoyment outside.   

Before that, however, two of the three members of the Lovestead canine clan will go to the beauty parlor for baths, clips, nips and general primping.

That would be Kiwi and Foster.  

"What about Kea?" you may be wondering.  

Well, Miss Kea doesn't do well at beauty parlors.  Last time she went, I received a friendly but mildly frantic call, asking me if I could please come to the parlor.

"Kea wants her mommy," they told me. 

Since it can't be predicted just when Kea would be in the wash-up line-up, I'll just keep her home.  

Her coat is looking pretty good anyway.  Besides, we would be without "Perimeter Dog," and wild creatures may take advantage of her absence.

Kiwi and Foster have gone to the beauty parlor together on past occasions, and that togetherness seems to be a calming influence for both of them.

Anyway, I'm excited to see them both sometime this afternoon, looking and smelling oh so beautiful.

This Oct. 1 marks the long awaited day for my brother Mike and his wife Mary to start off on the first leg of their two-week Greek Isles cruise.  

They're hoping that Chicago's O'Hare has worked out its problems and that flights for their eventual destination of Venice will go without incident.

Wonder if George and his new bride will be hanging out there. 

We're wishing them safe travels and a phenomenal experience seeing all that beauty and history. 

Guess that's enough babble for this first day of October, so I'll be on my way with dogs to the parlor and maybe later a horseback ride here at the Lovestead. 

Happy Wednesday.