Oh, that sounds like a wonderful idea, Beth! Maybe it's because I remember and loved some of your stories way back when. And with your lovely illustrations, it sounds perfect.

These are lovely! You are such a talented artist. Funny about Pulsatilla. It's one of the first homeopathic remedies I had umpteen years ago (it is classically given to "blonde, blue-eyed females of a mild disposition" and very changeable - also called windflower). "The flower grows in clusters, indicative of how a Pulsatilla types are happiest around others." As these appear to be! Glad your weather has warmed up, as here in Boston. Summer is so short - trying to savor every bit of it.

These are wonderful!

Yes, I just found that out today at work because Europe is setting the clock back this weekend and we'll have a week of confusion until everyone (our UK and EU clients and colleagues) is the usual number of hours off from each other. Time - and snow, apparently, in some places - is flying!

Thanks, Julia. Wish I were there right now!

I thought your photos were fabulous. And I'm sure they still couldn't capture the place fully because how could they compared to actually being there? But anyway, I'm really commenting because you reminded me of the amazing bacon I had out for breakfast this morning. I almost never have it at home, and since D. doesn't get up until 10 or so we never go out for breakfast (although, brunch does sometimes afford the experience of bacon). But I stayed overnight at a friend's and this morning we went out for breakfast. Still remembering the bacon.

Thanks, Lucy. I suppose there are worse things than night sweats, but it's hard to have perspective when sleep deprived. ;-) Julia: It's miserably hot and humid here right now, if that's any help! Will keep posting Boston pics...

Honestly, I think the only people who ever write comments to news articles have nothing better to do than troll. On the rare times I read comments anymore on an article I enjoyed, I come away disheartened and vowing never to read comments again. I thought it was a lovely article, and in the context of the sad incidents in the news lately completely understandable. I slipped into the comments on a FB post my nephew "liked" recently, a simple expression of sorrow from Mitt Romney over one of the recent killings, nothing more (my nephew tends to the conservative). The ignorance and racism in the comments was shocking (not from my nephew, btw). I guess it's important to know about the blindspots or ignorance if not outright racism out there and not have my head in the sand, but I will still try to avoid peaking under the rock to read comments in the future. Hats off to those who patiently responded to the commenters trying to enlighten them. On the other hand, there are some bright spots. I heard a nice interview with the 3 smart women who founded Black Lives Matter on NPR today. Smart, determined, clear-eyed, persevering, optimistic that things are changing. Admirable.

Thanks, MM. Enjoy your summer as well!

I love these photos. It's been a tardy spring here as well, and some of those early magnolia buds have browned in the cold. But at least we've had more of a start. It looks to be warming up in the upcoming days, both here and up north. It will be all the more joyous when it arrives!

Thanks, Beth. We probably could all have a club, although getting online in the middle of the night's not conducive to sleep. Still, nice to imagine it, a psychic communing and commiserating! Yes, looking forward to spring weather.

Thanks, Julia. Naps are great, though I can only manage them on weekends. I used to love yoga, but I have vertigo issues which prevent it now (sigh). I do try to get walks in or go to the gym and do my physical therapy exercises to keep up. You take care and be well also! Marja-Leena: Sleep is such a wonder drug when you can get a good night of it in, but so elusive sometimes. Thanks, and be well yourself!

Happy Blogday, Beth! Glad you're still blogging - I have enjoyed your posts this past year from your travels, and of course also following your blog over most of the 13 years. Best wishes for another year of splendid posts!

Will try! We do get an extra work holiday this year (Feb 15th), presumably to make up for the extra day.

Thanks! Yes, we are all enjoying the warmish weather and will be happy to take a pass on snowy weather if this continues.

It was amazing, and I hope not to see it happen again anytime soon. Thanks, and Happy New Year!

Best wishes for your mom's continued recovery - and your health as well. Have a happy and healthy New Year!

Thanks, Marja-Leena. I hope you're enjoying your holidays as well - and have a happy and healthy New Year!

Thanks! I hope you both have a lovely Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Thanks, Lucy. I walked this afternoon and found carpets of leaves around, very pretty. I'd shuffle through and kick them around if I wasn't afraid of stirring up allergens. Anyway, I'm glad I don't have to deal with them myself - one benefit of being a tenant instead of a homeowner.

Aha! I knew a homeowner, particularly one with a big yard, would know about this. Well, good to know!

Thanks, RR. I think that tomb stone fell asleep a very long time ago, seeing the wear. As for the leaf trash, I've never had a yard (well, not since I left my childhood home) so I'm not sure why it's not all mulched or composted. Seems like a better idea to me.

Amazing photos, and the lovely writing makes it all the more vivid.

Yes, breathtaking and astonishing! And we're just looking at your gorgeous photos. I can't imagine how much more so to be there. Transformative, for sure.

What an amazing trip! Just catching up here - couldn't really appreciate these on my little tablet screen when I was away. Gorgeous photos, all of them. But I really love that last one.