Living & Loving Fall

I came across this poem recently and it spoke to me so I thought I would share it here along with a few more foliage pictures.  The colors are so beautiful up in the mountains this year and we have gotten to enjoy some gorgeous days.   

My mom continues to improve and her strength and positive attitude are such an inspiration to me.  We are now able to talk on the phone between visits, which is so important to us both because she lives an hour away.  She sometimes gets frustrated when she can't find the words to tell me whatever she has to say, but mostly we are able to communicate very effectively.  She has a fantastic sense of humor and is still very much committed to her recovery.  It makes my day when she calls with an update.  Yesterday, she called to tell me she has begun using a regular cane (until now, she has been walking with the aid of a larger walker).  We have learned to celebrate each small step, both literally and figuratively.

We are definitely taking more time to enjoy the little things.

This year, we have been buying maple syrup from a stand just down the road from our house.  Not only is the syrup delicious, but the view from the sugar shack is breathtaking.

Below is the view from the first tee at the Schroon Lake Golf Course.

Down by the lake, the colors were so vibrant against the blue sky.

Forrest got to put his paws in the lake again this past weekend which made us all happy.  So far, he is still acting like himself, so much so that it is somewhat easy to forget he is sick.  However, the lump on his face continues to grow and it is pulling on the skin on his eye.  Unfortunately, we think his eye will be closed shut soon.  We are enjoying each and every day we have with him.  We sure do love this dog fiercely.

The leaves were falling at a fast rate when we came home on Sunday so I think that's a wrap on fall foliage for us this year.  Hopefully, we get to see some decent color in NJ over the next couple of weeks.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the updates.  As always, thanks so very much for all of the thoughts and prayers for our family.