Life is returning to normal for me and November 2024 is a significant part of that. A year of positive surprises makes up for the multi-year, “other shoe is about to drop” feeling that has influenced my life since 2019. Perhaps it is the calm after a bitter election campaign. I give credit to the Democrats for that.

Perhaps the reasoning is closer to home. We are expecting two new grandchildren (at least) to arrive in 2025. The circle of life continues, and the spirit is uplifting.

Extensive fall cleaning marked most of my time this past month. De-cluttering helps as does organization. The two go hand in hand. Having said that, it is very hard to throw things out. Thus, I try to recycle and gift as much as possible. Our little town has two secondhand stores and I donate on a regular basis. Giving to others can occur throughout the month and year. The thought that someone is putting a neglected item to use eases the pain of parting with memories.

My one trip this month was to a favorite location, Lexington, Kentucky. The weather was quite warm in early November (in contrast to the snow the television showed there on this last day of the month.) Short sleeves felt a bit strange with the beautiful foliage. Babies have been weaned from their mothers, and the paddocks no longer have little ones frolicking around the mares. Now, horses are grouped by age or perhaps by breeding status. Warm sun rays filtered through the colorful leaves.

November 2024 marked the completion of the second astronaut quilt. Same backing as the first with similar quilting. But the panels were arranged in a unique pattern. Take a look at the two side-by-side below. This one will be a Christmas present for my grandson. Hopefully he will enjoy the spaceships even though they do not have wheels.

It is hard to understand the tranquility I am experiencing in the midst of a world filled with conflict. Yet it exists, nonetheless. Gratefulness is so fulfilling that I hope each and every one of you may encounter such a feeling. I truly cherish these days.