Falling Leaves and Halloween

It's a beautiful fall day in the Ozarks, and living in the woods, there are falling leaves all around. Though it's only nearing 70 degrees, I have my office window open a bit, and can hear the wind in the trees. What a beautiful day . . . and it's halloween. My thoughts go to our grandchildren, who are all so very far away. Will the weather be good in Maryland and in Utah? Will the children have costume parades at school? Will Trinity be both Cinderella and a Witch on the same Halloween (her Grammy and her Mom both bought costumes, unknowingly)? What costumes will Carter, Ethan and Olivia be wearing? Will the girls be dancing around and twirling . . . with the boys be stoic and scary? What a fun time of year!!!

I have a bowl full of candy in anticipation that NO trick-or-treaters will venture this far out of town . . . and My Soul's Desire (Karl), Matthew (the serious black robe and hooded villain) and I will be left to the daunting task of devouring Snickers, Butterfingers and Almond Joys. Since My Soul's Desire and I will be alone for the evening, we will go trick-or-treating "over the moat and through the woods to Grandmom's house", to take her some of her favorite, Almond Joys.

Speaking of Grandmom (alias Ruth, and Mom S.), she is undergoing Physical Therapy for her very low back pain . . . she's gone for two weeks, and she's not sure if it is helping yet, for she still has a LOT of pain. For a woman who has had such incredibly good health, this is truly a trying time for her. Because of her pain, she has not been able to go to her church calling as a temple worker this month. And I think she's okay with that. What a wonderful woman she is, and it is difficult to see her hurting. She and I have been scheduling our appointments near enough together that I have been driving us in to town. Her car had been in the shop as well, but she has it back for a week or so . . . I am hoping I can convince her to still let me take her in . . . I'm just afraid if she had to brake quickly and hard that she may not be able to with her back pain. Say a prayer for her. . .

We're excited about this weekend . . . it's our church's campout at Robber's Cave State Park in Oklahoma. Because of my health issues, we are not camping . . . but there is a Motel in a little town 5 miles from there, and we may end up spending Saturday Night there. It depends on the schedule of events, etc. I have heard that there is great hiking there . . . and though I can't do the hiking, Karl and Matt can. I'll be there for the social aspect . . . seeing my friends (which are my family here, too), will fill my heart with so much joy . . . I'm really looking forward to it! Plus, with the leaves just midway though changing, I'm expecting beautiful scenary, and taking in the beauty that our Heavenly Father has provided. I have a new bird book that I bought at Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in Maryland, and I will be taking that along, with binoculars and our camera, of course! We're to have wonderful weather in the low 70's all weekend . . . I can't wait!!