Sick & Maple Leaves

This weekend I came down with one of those sicknesses that's just debilitating. Swallowing anything is pure torture; my throat is so painful. Nights have been riddled with feverish chills and overheating and then shivers again. And, Owen had the very same thing. He's woken up every hour for the last few nights.

Throughout my time as a mother, I have only been sick a handful of times. After this weekend, I am again reminded how hard it is to be a mama and to be sick. It's much easier to run around like a busy bee, snuggling on the couch, wiping snotty noses, and get the boys what's needed for them to feel better. It's a totally different thing when they still need you and you have very little to give.

It just so happened to be the most gorgeous October weekend, with the peak changing of the leaves, here in Southwest Virginia, and I missed a dear friend's baby shower (that I planned), and a few fall festivals. What can you do?

Fortunately, the beautiful maple tree in our backyard showed it's beautiful colors and reminded me of the blessings right here, right now. Lying on the swing each of the sick days, staring up at those gorgeously yellow and orange leaves, made even the worst hurt subside for a few minutes.

Autumn Hike

Missed me? It's been a while.

I've been learning a lot.

Today Jim and I hit the road for the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiked Rock Castle Gorge Trail. It was classified as a strenuous hike and I'd have to agree that it wasn't moderate or easy. The 10.8 miles of it were filled with beautiful views and creeks, difficult climbs, and one interesting encounter with some cows.

I'm grateful to be able to truly hike again. You know, allow my heart to pump to its full potential and allow my muscles to scream for mercy as I push them further and further... yes, hiking is wonderful therapy.

Though the leaves had not hit their prime yet, the cool breeze and changing leaves gave us the taste of autumn. Leaf litter covered the ground and each step brought the satisfying crinkle and crunch of leaves.

Leif was in heaven. We can't recall him having so much fun on a hike before... It was probably the longest hike he's ever been on and he was a real trooper.  He frolicked in the streams, pushed happily up the steep slopes, found a bone, and carried his doggy backpack like a champ.

Unfortunately we forgot the camera, so there are no pictures to post. Just trust me... it was great :)

To continue our autumn flavor we bought hard cider and then came home and made a fire in the fireplace. The smells of the fire are wonderful, but the cider was not.good.at.all.... you win some, you lose some!

This fall I'm going to soak in as much as I can.