I am here…

…but just.

Have a bit of a rough go of it — but I suppose things will get better.

Sigh!

Spent a good two hours cleaning out the flower beds and bagging up all the oak leaves. My sadly neglected flowers managed pretty well on their own this year as did the weeds…

Oops. Well — guess there will be more to pull next year. More Preen to spread.

Something I wish I had a picture of: the ninebark! It loses its leaves for the winter, but not before turning a rich, dark burgandy — not bright like a burning bush — but rather deeper color.

Obviously words are failing. You’ll just have to trust me!

I left the autumn fire and autumn joy sedum for “winter interest” — and also because right now they are still gorgeous with their yellow green foliage and dark brick red flower heads

Next spring I’ll be moving the goldenrod to the vacant space next to the new porch. Right now it gets hidden by the hibiscus and ninebark. It’s way too pretty to have a backseat any longer.

Oh! And there were a couple pansies bravely blooming under the leaves on the north side of the house — it was the blue one with the little black monkey face.

Didn’t get around to cutting down the asparagus or nepeta — hopefully there will be one more good weekend to finish up before the snow gets here.

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NP: Sarah Conner Chronicles

Where’s the Sophinator? In her bed in the dining room. We went for a cold but good walk at noon today. Soph was very cooperative.

What was supper? Comfort food: Cheeseburgers, krispy oven fries, baked beans, cottage cheese.