I snapped this photo with my phone a few weeks ago when our little slice of Maine had just climbed over the hump of peak foliage. Frost covered the grass and there were fewer leaves on the trees than off. The day was a good one – warm in the afternoon and cold at night. If only life like this in Maine could last just a little bit longer. I know. I ask for too much.
Take a look at this lovely weather.
The current date is November 12, 2024. The temperature this season has yet to drop into the 20s, but that’ll all change tonight. As I sit here and type, I can hear the wind howling outside my window and feel the cold air creeping through the walls. The forecast tells me my area will experience 25°. Which is nice, to be honest. I enjoy the 20s, even if they’re ushered in by a bit of roaring.
Laura and I made our almost daily journey through the forest this morning, coffee in hand. We’ve learned that when we walk alone, without dogs, our walks last much longer than they do with dogs – in tow. We’ve also learned that when we bring two mugs of hot joe along with us during these times, the walks last even longer. So we obviously try to enjoy the latter as often as possible. It’s becoming frequently more difficult to do so, but that’s okay. The dogs are fun to be around and we like their company. Shorter walks is a small price to pay for the experience.
Speaking of love… I asked a woman with whom I volunteer yesterday how long she and her husband have been married. She replied, “50 years.” Decades ago, I would have thought the idea of being married to someone for so long a time an insurmountable feat. Today, I’m not so sure it’s as insurmountable as I once thought. I then asked her if she and her husband are in love today as much as they were when they first married. She replied, “Even more,” which I’m sure I already knew. They’re truly lovely people and they not only play for the same team, they play for each other. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to have experienced an extraordinarily long relationship with someone, you’ll know exactly what that means. It was music to my ears hearing these answers from my friend because as I get older, I realize the importance of acting responsibly and accordingly when holding the heart of another person.
Laura and I have been together for over 25 years and in the beginning, I wasn’t as likable as I am now. I don’t say that in jest – while I’m not claiming to be something that I’m not today, I am claiming that I wasn’t nearly as refined back in the beginning of this century in comparison, in regards to what it takes to care for another person. There’s a lot to learn and as time goes by, a guy like me realizes how to listen and act and how to be as good a partner as possible. Hopefully, Laura and I will be lucky enough to see another 25 years and hopefully you’ll read about them on these very pages.
Just some random thoughts. Thanks for reading.
