Ah. A rainy, cool Thursday. Fall declaring itself. My neighbor and friend John went back to his hometown of Rome, New York for a wedding. A plant guy at heart he reported on the reds, the oranges lighting the upstate New York landscape.

A fiery end to the growing season. Leading up to Samain, Summer’s End. In the ancient Celtic calendar there were only two holidays: Beltane, the start of the growing season, and Samain, Summer’s End, which marks the turn toward the fallow months. The season of life abundant and the season of life at rest.

Robin came yesterday. She has her ways, honed over thirty years in senior moves. Decluttering. Organizing. Making a space both useful and beautiful. I’m her last move. She retired this month.

I’ve appreciated her guidance, her persistence in clearing out my house. She and her husband Dennie are also buying my car. I had Melissa help me figure out how to value it and sell it.

Cheri Rubin, Alan’s wife, came by for a visit. She’s high energy, already back at salsa dancing, her passion, after hip surgery earlier this year. A fun talk with her. Another instance of location, location, location. Cheri left Elk Run for the synagogue.

In the last three days I’ve seen a fox, a bear, and two elk yearlings. Love the mountains.