It’s nearly 6:00 p.m., and this is the first time I’ve opened my iPad today, because Miss Daisy has been wearing me out.

She hasn’t been feeling well — sensitive tummy, and a bit of up-chucking yesterday. So she needed some extra walks, and a lot of cuddling and tummy-rubbing. And since it was a workday for her mom, I got to be Daisy’s go-to source of comfort.

Of course, she’s worth it. She is a sweetheart, and even if she weren’t, just being a non-human entitles her to special treatment. This family loves animals of all kinds. (No offense to cat lovers, but dogs are my hands-down favorites.)

Anyway, it’s autumn — my first real one in seven years. (They don’t do four complete seasons down in the deep south — just a couple of days of spring, a couple of slightly wintry days, and the rest is the kind of summer heat and humidity that is best described as trying to inhale sludge.) So this cooler weather is an invitation to get outside and get moving.

And this was one of those perfectly crisp, sunny fall days, with just a hint of a breeze and the smell of falling leaves in the air. As Daisy and I strolled along — she sniffing the ground, and I sniffing the air — one big, bright red and orange leaf (sweetgum, I think, or maybe maple; but I’m not a botanist) found its way onto the seat of my rollator, seeming to welcome me home to Virginia.

Such a little thing, but it made me smile. And that is so welcome in a world in which the big things are often overwhelming. That beautiful leaf, and a big bowl of homemade soup for dinner tonight, and I’d call this a pretty good day.

Thanks for letting me share it with you.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
11/9/26