This is our Nicole Lane, the little road that takes us (and our neighbors) home.
Even though I’ve taken similar photos in the past, I didn’t take these. Our neighbor, Rich, did.
I absolutely love paintings and photos of lanes, paths, and trails. Where do they lead?
Believe it or not, our lane is a gradual, killer hill. Otherwise I would be “inclined” to walk it now and then. But, I’m not a fan of panting.
So, our native fall colors tend to be yellows and oranges, and that’s the predominant colors you see here and driving the highway into town. But now and then (and in town especially) there are vibrant displays of ornamental maples and other non-natives that are fiery shades of red and burgundy. Everything is peaking right now and I just know a big wind storm is likely around the corner to knock all those leaves to the ground. Then the trees will be sticks for several months.
Thankfully we are mostly evergreen! In fact, from our deck peering across at Squaxin Island, you might think it’s summer, particularly with this glorious sunshine these past few days (after days on end of a deluging Pineapple Express). No deciduous trees as far as the eye takes you. Until you find yourself on Nicole Lane.
Speaking of Nicole… Nikki-the-kitten continues to grow and as I’m writing this, she is on a TEAR and has been for a while. Seriously expecting her to crash hard any moment now. As an example, she just belly-flopped into her litter box, then proceeded to dig to China, spewing litter like a waterfall, then spun in circles (in the litter box…), chasing her tail. Now, it’s thunder paws galloping on the hardwood floors. Oh, and wild somersaults and high flips as she plays with her favorite toy—a twist tie.
She’s been noticing the bird and squirrel activity outside, once following a squirrel alongside the glass deck doors. Yikes. She hasn’t been outside yet, and we hope she doesn’t discover the pet door for a long time. Thankfully she (sort of) balances the insanity with moments of sweetness and humor.
I’m Very Nervous about our upcoming Christmas tree. Gulp.
I knew my hair badly needed cutting, but I was not interested in revisiting the local salons I’d been to previously because the stylists knew nothing about curly hair. They are strictly into straight blow-outs (even though they claim they’re knowledgeable about curls). One of the doctrines from the curly world is, “RUN FOR YOUR LIFE if anyone comes near you with a razor or thinning shears.” Every one of them have come at me with either a razor or thinning shears. Shudder. Anyway, I’d been contemplating a curly specialist salon in Olympia for some time, but hadn’t worked up taking action because their website transparently warned of their exorbitant prices. But finally I bit the bullet. My appointment took over two hours (not including the hour drive each way), and it was a relief to finally have someone work with me who KNEW. Who GOT IT. I learned a few new techniques, and I’m happy with the quality of the cut. It’s just not something I can do real often. (Oh, the price we pay to be WOMEN…)
I am aching to see Quinn. We haven’t seen that little boy since APRIL. I just keep telling myself it won’t be long now, mid-December is not that far away, and then they will be HERE. Nate and Sandra sent some photos of Quinn at a Halloween function last night, and Quinn was a puffy ghost. (Nate was a Ghost Dad).
Coming up: A ladies outing in Poulsbo, a Christmas baking visit with Helen, and Book Club HERE. Better get reading.
