Silhouetted trees stand against a vibrant sunset sky, fading from deep blue at the top to pink, purple, and orange near the horizon.

The month of November brings many joyous gifts and days to celebrate. Daylight savings time’s exit has given us an extra hour of sleep and brighter, lighter mornings. Veteran’s Day offered us an opportunity to express our appreciation, and honor our Veterans. Thanksgiving is a day to share our gratitude and give thanks for our many blessings.

View from a wooden bridge over a calm river, with buildings, trees, and a clock tower in the background under a cloudy sky.

November is like a bridge, offering us passage into the season ahead, but not first without pausing and reflecting into the waters below. As the landscape sheds its autumnal overcoat, and bares its stark and barren beauty, we linger before winter’s slumber. We take stock of our lives, and the people we care for. We don’t go unwittingly into the season ahead without first glancing back, and appreciating all that we have, and all that we are.  Won’t you join me?


Plant of the Week

A close-up of a white wildflower with star-shaped petals and yellow stamens, blooming in a green, grassy field.

Wild Hyacinth

Spikes of dainty light lavender, almost white flowers bloom amongst grass like foliage May – June.  Prefers sun to partial sun, and moist soil.  Grows 8-12″ tall and 6-8″ wide.  Native to woodlands and prairies. Attracts pollinators.  Although a bulb, it’s an excellent self seeder.

“My Sorrow, when she’s here with me, 

Thinks these dark days of autumn rain

Are beautiful as days can be…

The desolate, deserted trees, 

The faded earth, the heavy sky…

Not yesterday I learned to know

The love of bare November days 

Before the coming of the snow…”

-Robert Frost

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney