One part of my life that I’d say I’m fairly consistently concerned with is how I spend my free time. I’ve written posts that describe some of the world’s most popular hobbies as well as posts that describe which hobbies are most popular for men in particular. Have these posts done anything for me specifically? Have I gotten any ideas? Have I gotten very far with my attempt to settle on a hobby that’ll bring me through to the end? Not really. I do keep coming back to blogging though so I may as well consider this the one. I thoroughly enjoy sitting at my desk writing. Even if I write things that wouldn’t be considered as interesting to most people as much of what’s currently available is. I have a small following though and for that, I’m appreciative.

Good morning! I woke up a little while ago, warmed up a mug-full of apple juice, and now I’m seated at my desk writing this post. I enjoy my routine, especially during the late fall and early winter months in Maine. There’s something special about this time of year, so I thought I’d write about it. By the way, since I’m running low on decaf tea, I’ve turned to drinking hot apple juice in the morning. I don’t like to drink caffeine on an empty stomach because it makes my head spin. The alternative has proven to be especially scrumptious and sweet and when combined with the chilly air outside, simply perfect. Small mug, microwave for two minutes, done.

What another perfect weather day for some coffee accompanied solitude in the forest. Last night, the temperature dropped to 25°. Then, this afternoon, it rose to the mid-40s, which was a stellar companion for the clear blue skies we experienced. I noticed these clear skies just after Laura and I moved to Maine in November of 2013. I grew up on the east coast and for most of my life, I thought nearly all of the northern portion of the coast saw fairly similar weather. I also thought that the farther north one travels, the more cloudy it would be – especially during the winter months. Apparently, that’s not so. We see quite a few blue sky days all winter long, especially during the morning hours. The skies over Maine do have a propensity for clouding up during the afternoon, but for those few splendid hours after the sun rises, well, we enjoy them very much.

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.