Thank you, truly

Everywhere I turn, people are struggling. And as we near Christmas, I am still that little girl who just wished for us all to feel safe and loved and celebrated. I look for this joy in every view, in every picture, in every day. Even when the glimmers are few and far between, I am thankful, truly.

Generosities

Garnett’s Cafe in Richmond. Best homemade pumpkin pie EVER!

A new addition to my growing collection of vintage landscape paintings.

And the absolute freedom that comes with understanding that health and happiness are not a package deal. I can live a full and meaningful life without meeting all of the expectations that I must age gracefully. I don’t have to be happy or feel grateful all of the time. But I can accept the generous offerings that come my way. (Reading Recommendation: Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman.)

SNOW BERRIES

How Come Eugene Didn't Catch Any Fish?

Hick’s Landing, December 2025

Teams of men paired up: Hunter and Brad, Justin and Dustin, Earl and Allan. Big fish and total weights recorded. From the chart on the shed wall, it looks like there’s been a fishing competition. Can’t help but feel a little sad for Eugene who scored a big zero. But hey, maybe the joy of the time outdoors was reward enough.

I love this boat landing along the Rappahannock Basin Trail. In all seasons, the view helps me to tend and befriend myself. It’s freezing cold today, and I really don’t want to get out of the car. But once I do, I don’t want to get back in. The cold air is invigorating, and there is always something to discover.

I am fascinated by the osage oranges. I had never even seen one until a few years ago. Also called Hedge Apples, the bumpy, yellow-green spheres, fall from the small deciduous tree, Maclura pomifera. They were once believed to repel insects, but this has been found to be untrue. They are often used in fall decorations and provide food for squirrels, deer and birds. A very unusual, inedible fruit (tough with milky, super sticky goop inside!).