Well, the catalpa tree's leaves are dropping like large poorly made paper airplanes that kids make and try to fly unsuccessfully. It seems late in the year for this sudden surge of leaf dropping. We don't usually look out the window on my birthday and think, "Geez, we really need to cut the grass!"

I may have to eat my words about the incredibly long and cold Manitoba winters. I haven't actually worn my winter coat yet either. And although we have had the fire going the odd night, (on principle I have to convince Sandy that it is FREEEZING in the house), we have not had to put the heat on either. Hence, no reasonable excuse to crawl up in front of the fire and read the day away.

But I may anyways, and have a few too many glasses of wine and end up snoozing as well.

Likely why I don't remember much of the books I read.....falling asleep in the middle of them all the time. I sure hope that doesn't get worse as I get older. I mean the sleeping, not the drinking. That can't get much worse.

Cheers!

Hecla Haven

We've discovered a wonderful place in Manitoba that doesn't really seem like Manitoba which is what makes it an astonishing find. We have been up there a total of three times now, for 11 nights total. I want to buy a boat or likely a raft. And then lie on the beach and watch it. Mostly, I want to put pretty lights on it and just look at it at night. Sounds like a Christmas card, or a condolence card setting. Mostly, I really like the water. And the lights on the water, and sounds.

I have gathered up so much stuff from the beach that I think I'll be ok for a while. Rocks, driftwood, sand, bigger flat rocks for a "never to see the light of day" project, dried seaweed stuff, and oh yeah. I really love that sea-faring stuff! I had Sandy lug a huge ball of fisherman netting up the cliff for me. It has leaded weights and bouys on it! He out right refused to carry up the abandoned row boat with a hole in it. Even bribery didn't work. He looked all manly and very Irish Spring - like, or Viking - like I guess.....sweating and slipping climbing up the path. Good thing that netting didn't have to come back on a plane. We may have caused a bit of a raucous at the airport.

But honestly, the best thing about Hecla is that we all managed to get some time there together as a couple (no worries google earth doesn't get there), and also with all the girls this year. And Nat as well who choked and almost died but didn't. That was freaky.

Hmmm, Hecla Manitoba I may just become your biggest fan.