catch a moment of beauty before it fades

A beautiful crisp cool day here in Frederick Maryland. I've been running around and freely feeling like a butterfly. I've picked roses in my backyard this morning. A half dozen crimson beauties are sitting in my kitchen reminding me that each day catch a moment of beauty before it fades.

My home is a peaceful place to rest and energize. I am glad I took the brave leap to buy a home by myself. The front and backyard have fall leaves to rake up. My neighbors wave when I'm around. I sometimes have paths cross at the grocery store with smiles of delight. I am truly lucky.

today is the day

Today is the day!

I will meet at my impending home an hour prior to settlement for a final inspection with MH my realtor. Then off to the settlement company to sign papers. With keys in hand I will return to my own home that I will take good care of, furnish and grow wonderful flowers. A peaceful place to rest and be always happy to return to. I give humble thanks for this day.

american gold finch

A great beauty and cool demeanor is my description of this american gold finch. He sat regally on top of the metal bird post. He scanned his surroundings with cool eyes. He was satisfied and plumb after his afternoon feedings. My offerings of thistle was to his delight. This beautiful male also has a song. Tsee-tsi-tsi-tsit is a common call to keep in contact with each other. These songbirds like open woodlands, weedy fields and shrubs, and also gardens. Song wording from Bird Songs 250 North American Birds in Song book.

CR: The last week had some challenges i.e. the whooper; but not to be too hard on myself but I did loose this week about half a pound. I have monitored my activities with the Bodymedia arm band. I have succeeded to be more active 4 out of 7 days in the last week. This is due to jogging. I do enjoy my jogs through the park and neighborhood as the cats smile back at me on their window sills. I did wonder why a particular home's kitty was not at the window. To my surprise there is another new comer instead to add to my counts as I gaze around on my trips.

Home front: I took a relaxing drive up north 28 miles to view my in pending home. I am anxiously happy to be in the mitts of buying this home. I hope all goes well in the process. In the backyard in a particular area there are strawberries growing and a few other items such as mint and parsley, etc. in planter bowls. mmmm it sounds like I will have fruit and gourmet bunch of herbs at hand.

botanical gardens

We took a great drive 8 miles from home to the Brookside botanical gardens. Such a beautiful day when we went a couple of weeks ago. Stunning walk ways and everyone was out since it was a warm 83 º.



Rows and beds of beautiful tulips in stunning bright red-orange. A feast of beauty.



The lake in the mitts of everything was a reflective sight. Blue skies reflected off the calm waters.

CR: I am eating well with the right portions and not knit picking the percentages to death but the totals are around 1200 give or take 100 kal. I have lost the jiggle and am working on walking a bit more when the weather permits. Along with CR I incorporate some exercise. This weekend is suppose to be wonderful. I plan a 7 to 10 mile hike Saturday or Sunday morning around Lake Frank. Getting my stretch in prior to hiking. I will enjoy listening to the birds in the serene forest as I hike through the leaves and rocks and hills. I am hoping to see deer and offspring grazing. I will also hope to be always fascinated with whatever birds and small animals happily foraging throughout the serene cool forest.

Home front: I have purchased a home on my own. Location 28 miles due north of my present stay. A quaint small home which was originally a 3 bedroom home but the master now has a sitting room. So a quaint home with a big master bedroom, another bedroom and bath with a wonderful front and backyard. I am patiently waiting. My offer was Monday the seller accepted Tuesday and I am giddy Wednesday and Thursday and yet perhaps tomorrow too. I plan a friendly bird paradise and with flowers and greenery abundance. I hope all goes well with the inspection and paperwork and bank and then I shall receive the keys at the end.

NOTE: You may use my pictures in this botanical garden article as screen savers with my permission. Please do not sell these photos and please give credit if used kindly.