Under a Tree

Yesterday was unusually fall-like. We enjoyed a lazy Monday, not having to rush to be anywhere, able to stroll through the morning at our leisure. In the afternoon, the girls and I took our worn quilt outside, the one we use for sitting under our big maple tree. 

What joy it was to read a few pages from two books we pick up and read from time to time: 

How nice to slowly digest books like these, not speed-reading just to get done, but rather taking snippets and chewing thoughtfully on them together. 

After a little while of reading, we moved on to a game that hasn't been opened since the days my Dad and I used to play it: 

I had no idea what a hit this would be with my young ones! What fun it was to shake up the word cubes in the cup, throw them out, and make silly sentences! We decided to forgo the timer in the interest of leisure, and simply each took turns with no rush. While I waited for my turn, lying back on the blanket and breathing the fresh air, this was my view:  

How soothing to be under this tree, gazing at its healthy leaves as they wave slightly from the soft breeze! The feeling in the air reminded me of school starting long ago, the coolness of summer hinting at changing into fall. Maybe you recall that from your school days, too; I love the sensation of exciting things on the horizon: a new school year, a new season approaching...the first glimpse that cinnamon, football, apple-picking, and colorful leaves are coming. It was a treat to have the reminder so early, as it usually isn't on my radar this soon in August. I once heard pastor Tim Keller say that we shouldn't try to "make a moment last forever," because "we end up polluting it." I confess it was hard to resist the temptation to want to bottle up this sweet time, but I was able to focus on it and thank God for it. 

Our family enjoyed a vacation in Destin, FL last week...a new place for us with beautiful beaches that my family says remind them of our beloved Cuba. We visited Maguires Pub, a place famous for its steaks. I noticed two items on the menu that had me whipping out my camera...of course "for the blog":

I can live with 18 cents for a bowl...just not $18! No soup is that good!

This must indeed be a grand burger, but who needs caviar??

And one more thing to make you go "hmmm"...Here's a shirt I stumbled upon in a thrift shop:

No, just no!! I love to eat my pizza, but have to draw the line at wearing it!

This morning, some new bird friends dined at the feeder. We identified them as brown-headed cowbirds: 

The photo isn't the greatest, but it's the best I could manage. The male has a coppery-brown head and iridescent black feathers, while the female is a plain, soft brown. Cowbirds are known for laying eggs in other birds' nests, forcing these birds to draw from their own supplies in order to feed the foreign baby. This is the first time we've seen this couple in our yard, and I'm glad they stopped by, but I hope they don't stick our other bird friends with their eggs.

Finally, here's a delightful way to end the day...a mint Oreo cookies and cream sundae, made for me by my girl. 

Until next time!