Halloween

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Maddie here. Bummer. Carol got me this cool orange T-shirt with a bat on the back. I was going to get to help her pass out candy this year. You know, greet the kids with a woof and wag of the tail. Maybe even plant a sloopy kiss here and there. But bands of rain moved across our area this afternoon, lasting until early evening. We only had a few kids. Now Carol has a ton of candy to haul into the office, and I didn't get to show...er...help out much at all. But Carol promises that I can help her next year. Until then, the orange T-shirt goes back into my drawer.

And more colors!

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Before bringing you this gorgeous interlude, I'm thrilled that COURTING DANGER placed third in the long contemporary category of the Maggies this past weekend! Thank you, Georgia Romance Writers and all those who judged! :) Carol

The Colors

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

You may be thinking, "Hmm, Carol, but where are the fabulous fall colors you saw in Vermont?" And my answer... :) Carol

Anniversary: Hurricane Wilma

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Today marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Wilma. Thank God for El Nino as it's blown apart all the tropical depressions that formed this year. While hurricane season officially ends 11/30, with the cold waves sweeping down over the south now, it appears highly unlikely that a hurricane will form [knocking on wood as I type ]. My section of Florida really needed a break. We had 3 hurricanes in 13 months, and there were still homes with blue tarps when Wilma hit. In my neighborhood all the blue tarps are gone and the rapping sound of hammers has dissipated. When I'm on the road for my job, I'm also seeing fewer and fewer tarps. People are still living in temporary housing, but with the next season not until 6/07, maybe we can all get back on our feet. Here's to another 30 days of peace and quiet. :) Carol

The End of Pool Season

Monday, October 23, 2006

My neck of Florida is getting its first cold wave of the season. Temperatures are supposed to drop by 20 degrees. Yet when I got home from work tonight, the breeze was just getting a nip to it. After I took Maddie for a walk, I made a dash for the pool. The water was brisk as opposed to pleasant, but I swam my normal laps. Although I have solar heating, under the best of conditions, it can only heat the water about 10 degrees, and the solar system hasn't been the same since Hurricane Wilma. So with the cold wave, I figured I've had my last evening swim for the season. With the solar, my 'pool' season runs from April through end of October for sure, but anything beyond that is always questionable. Since I love swimming at night as it relaxes me, I'll miss my laps. However, the upside is tonight I got to open the windows to let in the fresh air for the first time since May. It feels so good! :) Carol

Manchester, VT Courthouse

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Built in 1822 the Manchester Courthouse stands across the street from the Equinox Hotel. I loved the play of light on its gold dome. In the mornings we would open our window in our attic room [I mean that literally. We got out from the elevator on the 3rd floor, went up stairs, opened the door to another steep flight of stairs to get to our room]. Then we would hang out to look at the sunrise light illuminating the church and courthouse. This is a sunset shot. :) Carol

Mt. Equinox

Friday, October 20, 2006

Of course, the Equinox Hotel takes its name from Mt. Equinox. Take about tight curves to drive up the mountain... There are several lookout points along the way, and it got progressively colder as we neared the top. Then at the summit...brrrrrrr!!! There's an abandoned hotel and no wonder. Once it's dark, it would be impossible to navigate the road. The area is owned/run by a group of monks whose monastery can be seen from one overlook. My friends and roomies Kathy and Diane are pictured freezing their bums off at the top. :) Carol