October was not an easy month for me. I was silent, I was in prayer, I was seeking God’s face as the Psalmist writes. How good it was to receive the support of my praying friends. Not to leave out, my Friend Jesus, the King. There they are – forgive me, I will digress. ‘Hello there.‘ The crows are flying down on our front lawn. Today they saunter on the grass; well, there’s my brave squirrel, it squints at me.

November came. One more year was added to my life span with a tiny wish for returning to my youth: I wish to keep drinking my daily cup of black tea and my latte. “To avoid heart palpitations minimize the caffeine,” our primary physician had said to me. I was fifty eight then. My hair is a nice grey now.

It amazes me at times; not only the trees and the mountains like to have me around, my few longtime friends do as well; except when they are sheepish and solemn. Are they protecting my feelings? Conversely, I still need Gospel truth.

The other day I had a yearning to hike. My hiking sticks are standing by our front door for a long time. But now, I first need to call the Nature Center and register for using the trails. The autumn air is clear and blue; thank God, no California fires! My friend Carmela* moved to a nearby town, she was my hiking partner. I shall go by myself on that short trail, my bandana around my neck and my mask in my pouch. Psalm 121

*Name change