Autumn is here once more.

I've been watching this maple turn and shed this month. The wind and rain of the past week has stripped it bare and one can't ignore the transition any longer.
I actually love Autumn, the color, the pause before Winter, the long views and the crisp days. Lately though, with my lower back aching petulantly and lack of time to myself has made me especially cranky. I don't like it but I'm having trouble shaking the funk.
Thought I'd make an entry before October ends without any word, even if it's a piss, moan moment.

Things to be thankful for: basically good health, plenty of food, sound roof, loving family...there's a great deal more but I'm cranky.

Ain't she a beauty?

This month my uncle delivered my beloved Lockerbie kickwheel. Currently production of these little lovelies has stopped and I was fortunate to find this one on Ebay, gently used, for half the original cost.

I was even more fortunate to have an uncle, not only willing to pick up said wondrous equipment, but also wanting to buy it for me as a birthday gift. Well ain't that a kicker?!

Sure is. hee hee.

I can't wait to get on it and throw some clay around. Deal is my uncle gets the first piece off the wheel. Completely fair request.

The Ugly Stage

The keets, who are not so keet-like any longer, have reached the accompanying not so pretty stage where any superficial beauty contest victories are out of the question. The birds are losing the feathers on their heads. Soon they will have a leathery looking crown with the signature 'helmet' on top. 'Waddles' are also beginning to emerge and at long last the guinea fowl will resemble the Martian's entourage from Bugs Bunny fame.