Fair November

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air."
- Eric Sloane

Jim, the boys and I, and Pop, along with the respective family dogs, went down to Lake Ontario today, to visit with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Even in November, the lake has such a steely beauty. It was a little overcast, and the whole scene was filled with shades of grey, brown, and black. I wonder if, under other circumstances, it might have felt too cold, lonely, subdued, and apprehensive of the cold winter that is on our doorstep. But today, surrounded by our family as we gathered to take an annual family photo, it felt beautiful. The boys climbed over the rocks (as I remember doing as a kid at the very same park) and the 3 dogs chased each other and played tug of war. We all managed a snuggle with Griffin, my 7 month old nephew, and the adults chatted about our plans for the holidays. what a lovely way to spend a cold November afternoon.

"The stripped and shapely

Maple grieves

The ghosts of her

Departed leaves.

The ground is hard,

As hard as stone.

The year is old,

The birds are flown.

And yet the world,

In its distress,

Displays a certain

Loveliness"

- John Updike, A Child's Calendar