November - Full of Surprises

November was a roller coaster month.  It started with the thrill of a shower for Andia, my daughter in law, and my next grandchild.  The next weekend, I went dancing here on Bainbridge, to a band created by a former student.  What a treat.  Gypsy Jazz. His sound man and base player is an old friend.  Two weeks later he had died of a sudden heart attack.  We celebrated his music the next month at "open mike night" at the pub.  He leaves a big hole in the blues/folk music community.

Despite a long cold snap, I went hiking nearby.  The late winter light was great on the frost and ice.

In spite of the cold, Emilia and I get outside almost every day.  She likes to put on her boots and run after Scout. We also go swimming and to the library.  This month she was due for a haircut.

The next day we were surprised by a visit from my niece, sneaking in from Boston.  I had the extra pleasure of finding out she had taken up spinning.  The night before I had helped with a sewing project in my fiber arts group. I hope to lead some workshops in wool processing there.  She had taken a class from the same woman I had a workshop with in the spring!  

The day before Thanksgiving, my father passed away, peacefully, after a bowl of ice cream!  I was glad to be having the holiday with my good friends and neighbors next door.  The following day was an annual dance (ballroom) and left-overs potluck.  So when the weekend came, I was ready to get out of town.  I had scheduled a trip up to the edge of Mt. Rainier with two close gal friends.  We had the magical surprise of fresh snow.  It was powder - not the usual NW moist snow.  At times all I could hear was the plop of snow coming off the branches.  Lots of good meditative time!  And what beautiful vistas!

I am known for my 80's turquoise ski pants & have been told not to get rid of them!  You can always spot me.  Here is a better photo of me.  I love this place !!!