It’s always hard to ask for money. But when your passion for the cause overrides your reticence you just have to squish down those scary thoughts and do it.
So I am.
There are lots and lots of families out there going through unimaginable pain. But I can imagine it, because my family is one of them. When dad was killed December 23rd, 2004 our lives shattered. We’ve patched things back together over the 20 years but you can still see, and always will see, the mended cracks.
Other families out there need support and advice and shoring up. Also hugs. The hugs we can give for free but the rest takes money. So I’m asking you to donate today, Giving Tuesday. Please give with heart, give with love.
This morning as I’ve been fixing the big dinner I’ve been watching my birds out the window and my Penny-girl napping inside and feeling grateful that I’m in my warm house looking out at a windy cold yard. It’s 32F here (0 C) and it feels, because of the wind, like 19F (-7.22C).
Nom, nom, nom.
I know the birds watch me as I fill the feeders every morning. Every day, before I’m back in the house they’re usually fluttering around picking at their favorite spot. This morning I somehow missed the goldfinch feeder and as I was walking to the shower later I noticed a big bunch of them all huddled around the very bottom of their feeder.
That’s all the seed there was left, just a bit at the very bottom.
I thought about going out and filling it after my shower. But they were hungry now. So I ran out without a coat and hurridely filled their feeder with thistle. Then I went inside to watch. No finches. I waited some more. One finch dropped down onto the beech tree, contemplated the feeder swaying in the wind.
“Come on little guy,” I murmered, “it’s right there for you, all fresh and nice.” He waivered and clung to his branch. “Come on sweetie, I whispered.” He tentatively flew to the top of the hook and looked around. Then he hopped down to the feeder and began to greedly eat. Suddenly finches came from all over, and swarmed the feeder.
I smiled.
Happy Thanksgiving little ones. Happy Thanksgiving.
And happy Thanksgiving to all of you. We hope you have a wonderful, warm and belly-filling day. Penny added that last bit about the belly. She has her priorities.
Giving Tuesday, an annual event that started on Facebook (I think) and has since morphed into all sorts of activities, is coming up. Always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this year it will be December 2.
My dad as a young man.
For the past several years I’ve used the date to raise funds for the Truck Safety Coalition, and I will this year too. I like to give you all a heads up before so that you can do your research and think about where you’d like to donate your hard earned money.
As always I remind everyone that large truck crashes aren’t partisan. The semi that slams into the back of your car doesn’t care whether you’re Republican or Democrat. It doesn’t care what race or gender or religion you are. It’s irrelevant whether you have family waiting for you at home or only your pet dog.
Still way before me.
Dad lived alone back in 2004 when he put his suitcase in the trunk of his car and headed for the Atlanta airport in the predawn hours of December 23rd. He didn’t know he’d never make it to the airport. I picture him pulling up the driveway for that last time, blissfully unaware of what waited for him.
More than 5,000 people die in crashes involving large trucks every year. More than 100,000 are injured. It’s not all the trucking industry’s fault, some of it is caused by those of us in cars doing stupid things. Both sides of that issue warrent additional vigilance on the road.
For the record, dad was slowed in traffic that was being guided around a previous wreck when he was hit from behind by a semi driven by a sleepy driver who didn’t see all the traffic stopped ahead of him.
The Truck Safety Coalition was there for my family 20 years ago and it’s still there for families that have been turned upside down by a crash. TSC provides support and advice and the opportunity to use their grief to make change for the better.
The obligitory church photo.
So I’m asking you to consider donating to the Truck Safety Coalition for Giving Tuesday this year. I’ll post again with a link soon. You don’t have to wait until December 5th to donate, but you can if you want to.
I’ll be sure to remind you.
Dad, ever on my mind and especially as we approach his crash anniversary, tells me to tell you thanks for the years of support you’ve given me and my family. And thanks for considering making a donation this year too.
You probably saw on the news that there was a very large solar event this week. Tuesday night was supposed to be stunning, with the kind of aurora lights we saw a couple years ago. Of course Tuesday night I was in band and when I got home our skies were cloud covered.
I went to bed disappointed.
In the beginning there was just the faint pink and green.
Wednesday night the weather folks and those forecasting the aurora said it wouldn’t be as spectacular as Tuesday had been, but we had a good chance of seeing the lights. And this time the skies over my head were mostly clear!
And then a pillar showed up.
The aurora last night was fickle. I watched the numbers, and went outside numerous times, once it was dark, to check using my phone to take sample images, thinking maybe, just maybe there was a bit of a pink tinge to the northern sky.
The lights faded. Maybe that was it?
Eventually the numbers got better and I dragged my camera, tripod and a chair out to my backyard. I had considered driving somewhere that would provide me a clearer view of the horizon, but lots of stuff kept me home.
But almost right away another pillar of light sprang up.
I figured if I saw it, I saw it and if I didn’t, well, I’d see a lot of images online in the morning.
And then more pillars with more intense color.
Sitting in my own backyard took a lot of the stress out of finding a place with a clear view, worrying about other people, cars with headlights, or huffing deer.
The color began to dance.
It was actually pretty comfortable, even relaxing, out there. So comfortable I didn’t spend enough time focusing on the stars, so they’re not the pinpricks they’re supposed to be. And of course the trees, that were quite close to me, are out of focus. You can’t focus on both the stars and the trees!
Imagine what it looks like from that plane.
But the color, oh the color, was wonderful … if only for a few minutes. I think I spent 30 or 40 minutes out there before the color faded and the clouds blew in around 10 p.m. This morning I read that the lights came back out later in the night, but I was long asleep by then.
And then the light began to fade again.
I don’t have the most wonderous images. I didn’t have a view of the horizon so I couldn’t see much of the green dome below the red lights. My stars aren’t in focus. There’s no great foreground.
Clouds overtake the last of the pink light.
But for almost an hour I sat in the comfort of my yard, staring at the sky and smiling. If I hadn’t taken even one image I’d still have been happy that I went out into the night searching for Lady Aurora.
TIme to hang it up.
I hope some or all of you got a glimpse too. If not….squint at these images and imagine being out under the stars. I’m willing to share.
Using my phone, handheld.
One of the cool things about an event like this is that I know so many people are out there staring up at the sky too. We’re all looking at the same big sky, and for one or two nights the rest of the crazy world falls away. I never feel alone when I’m out under the stars and I usually don’t even feel the cold until I’m back inside. It’s an amazing experience.
Another phone shot testing the skies. It was there!
All these images are pretty much the way they came out of the camera (or phone). I cropped a few, tried to clean up the fuzziness of a couple others. But mostly they’re the way they looked in the camera. You couldn’t see any of this with your naked eye.
If you ever get the opportunity, go out and watch the aurora. Take your phone or camera with you, it probably will be the only way you’ll see it. But it’s worth the adventure.
This weekend, I guess that means yesterday, I was busy taking pictures of my backyard birds as they bounced around in the beech tree near our feeders.
This is a very polular location. You have to wait in line to get the best stuff.
I loved the colors, the tree still hanging onto her leaves even though we are well into November now.
Sometimes the little bird feeder is especially busy and the wait is long.
It wasn’t warm outside, not like it had been through most of October, but it was still a nice, if slightly dreary, day.
I was shooting the goldfinch, but look who dropped in below.(White-striped sparrow)
I spent some of the day on Saturday painting Christmas cards to be sent to folks in nursing homes. Nothing too complicated, just simple cards painted in the hope they made someone smile.
The ten.
The goal was to get 10 painted over the weekend and mailed on Monday. Christmas comes so early when you have to get your stuff off to folks who have to do their thing to get the cards to seniors in a timely manner.
Folded, I’ll write a little note inside each of them and then send them off to the card coordinator on Monday.
I haven’t felt very Christmas-y this fall. I procrastinated on painting the cards until it was almost too late. I thought maybe I’d skip the whole Christmas card thing this time.
People ignore us little brown birds all the time too.
I haven’t put the lights up outside either. I usually put lights on one tree, the smallest of the spruce trees we planted so many years ago, at the corner of our lot.
This chunky little woodpecker had a hard time fitting through the feeder cage.
I use the smallest tree so that I can get lights clear up to the top if I stand on a ladder and use a long pole. It’s a lot of work and I don’t know if I’m up to it anymore.
But eventually he got his lunch. Might want to consider a smaller portion than usual though.
Still, the neighbors tell me how much they enjoy that tree when it’s lit on our dark winter nights. I enjoy it too. Somehow it makes the winter go by a little faster, or at least be a little brighter. So maybe I’ll get the lights up the next nice day we have around here.
Probably not today though. This morning I woke to our first snow of the season. Penny is not at all sure she was good with this new development.
Hey lady! I’d like a berry special please. Pronto!
But I am happy to see the trees and shrubs begin to be covered by this new white blanket. Pen and I might even go out and play in it when I finish this post.
The cardinal was unflappable by the robin’s flight.
Some of the birds are not as happy as I am to see the change in weather. But the snow makes me think that maybe I can put the lights up. Maybe I can paint a few cards for the season. Maybe I can get into the Christmas mood.
A festive red and green image in my own back yard.
Maybe I can.
You know you’re in Michigan when one day you’re working in the garden and the next you’re laughing over bird antics in the snow.
Today would have been Cee’s 64th birthday. She left us last March, but so many of us in the blogging world remember her fondly along with the photography challenges she used to host. Now otherbloggers have continued her challenges and have asked us to honor Cee on her birthday.
From the Flower a Day to the Black and White Challenge many of us participated. For years I enjoyed going out weekly in search of something to meet one of Cee’s challenges. The chance to find something new to shoot was so much fun. And I was always flattered when she chose one of my photographs as a winner of that week’s challenge.
In reality we were all winners in Cee’s eyes. She supported us with enthusiasm and kind words, often sharing our work with her readers. It felt like an honor just to be noticed by Cee.
So, today, in honor of Cee’s birthday I’ve posted a black and white image. She and I shared the love of old barns, and I think they are the perfect images to process in black and white. This one is up in Northern Michigan, and one I probably used in one of her black and white challenges.
Happy Birthday, Cee. I, along with a whole lot of other people, miss you. I bet you’re out with your camera right now, finding extraordinary things to shoot. I hope while you’re busy doing that you also see all the birthday wishes and hugs floating up to you.
In fact I imagine you’re surrounded with them. What a great image that would be.
First was Robin who took us back to look at Octobers past with her beautiful photographs of places she enjoyed taking Walktobers over the years. She always takes such luminous photographs, you’ll enjoy going back in time with her. https://breezesatdawn.wordpress.com/2025/10/10/a-different-kind-of-walktober/
Then along came Jo, who is from Portugal but who took us for a walk in Torun, Poland! I love when people from all over the world join us for Walktober! Most of us would never see these places without wonderful people sharing them with us. https://stillrestlessjo.com/2025/10/06/jos-monday-walk-torun/
And then Karma decided a beautiful, warm, October weekend was just begging for a trip to Maine, so she and a friend went! Talk about the perfect couple of days! After reading this you’re all going to want to go to Maine for the weekend! https://karmardav.wordpress.com/2025/10/12/an-impromptu-getaway/
Penny the sheltie-girl wanted to make sure you all had a chance to see one of her parks, so she took you to Davis Lake Overlook Park, not far from our home. It was a beautiful October Sunday and she and I had a wonderful time. https://dawnkinster.com/2025/10/13/penny-takes-a-walk/
Penny here,I made my mom include a picture of me here.
Barbara took us to The North Carolina Museum of Art, where she found beautiful asters and goldenrod and a few pretty insects as well as a larger than life resident of the park surrounding the museum. https://www.ingebrita.net/2025/10/sunlight-over-the-meadow/
Debbie took Walktober to a new level, the epitome of ‘walk, drive, skip, boat, or ride!” She took us to a train museum and then we get to ride the train!https://domermom.com/2025/10/19/walktober-2025/
Mike took us to Calloway Gardens, a very special place in Georgia, no matter the season. He’s from a Northern state, so fall in the South is a bit different for him, and it’s probably different for a lot of us, so let’s go see what he found! https://mlcreationsphotography.com/2025/10/19/walktober/
For me, well, I was lucky enough to spend a week in upper Michigan, in a home along the shore of Lake Michigan itself. I shared the cats I was hanging out with and took a stroll in the small village up there. https://dawnkinster.com/2025/10/19/cats-in-northport-and-other-tales/ But after I did that post I decided it wasn’t really my official Walktober.
Eliza Waters found some beautiful color on her walk. She and her dog Wren took a lovely walk on their very own land. You can see for yourself here just what a beautiful place it is they live: https://elizawaters.com/2025/10/21/walktober-2025/
My personal Walktober was at one of my favorite places in the whole world. I debated quite a bit while I was up there whether to do my official Walktober on the beach. In the end, how could I not? https://dawnkinster.com/2025/10/23/dawns-beachy-walktober/
Penny and I hope you enjoyed all these Walktober adventures. She said I should include a picture of her and since I’m a mere sheltie servant I will.
I have the worrisome feeling I missed somebody’s Walktober. I’ve checked and double checked but I still feel like somebody got left out. So if you did a Walktober and I didn’t include it here, comment on this post and I’ll do a quick edit and get you in!
As you read before Mom scheduled us to participate in rally trials (dog stuff) for two consecutive Fridays in a row! Oh wait. Mom says “consecutive” means the same as “in a row.” Whatever, mom.
Anyway, last week I got two legs (I need 3 to title) with a couple of sloppy runs. Mom was hoping a week off from training would help me settle down. That maybe I was just overtired last week.
Hmmmmm. Interesting theory.
Waiting in my crate for another rally trial!
So yesterday, October 31st, we went to the place I go to school to do 2 runs. Mom thought I’d be more comfortable there and hopfully earn one run and thus my Intermediate Rally Trial title. Mom had high hopes when I seemed happy and bouncy as we were waiting.
And she was happy that the course for the first run didn’t look too difficult.
What could go wrong?
Is it my turn yet mom?
We warmed up in a little room off to the side. I sat and downed and fronted perfectly. At the end of the warmup mom gave me one measly treat.
Then it was our turn.
We walked into the ring and I refused to sit next to mom. She walked me around in a little circle and tried again and I sat. Reluctantly. Mom knew right then she was in for trouble.
So around the ring we went, I’d do any sign that didn’t include sitting or going into a down. There were a LOT of signs that asked me to sit. Eventually I would concede and sit, but mom would have to ask me multiple times. And the down? Not happening, nope, not at all. There were supposed to be two of those.
The lady following behind with the clipboard kept making notes and mom got increasingly sad.
Mom says this quote was at the park just for her.
When we got out of the ring mom gave me my jackpot because, she said, I had done the best I could. We ended up with a 79 (you need 70 to qualify) which is my lowest score ever.
But we got my title, even though mom said she wasn’t proud of the way we did it. Then she elected not to do the second run cause I always do worse on my second run, and besides she was exhausted and sad.
So she took me to a park on our way home and we walked around a loop to remember that we loved each other and tomorrow will be another day and we’re going to keep working on stuff together.
Cause we’re a team.
Most of the pictures here were from our post-trial walk at the park.
Change Is Hard 