Not a prompt, just information —

My Week in Photos — After a dry start to our summer, the tropical rains returned in late June. Some storms dumped 5 inches of rain, including two deluges at the end of August that produced a total of 10 inches! No one is happier with this damp weather than the fungi that are sprouting…

Progress in baby steps — My summer was a medical blur — hospital visits, doctor appointments, labs, caregivers — stressful, scary and exhausting. But, now that September is here and summer is tiptoeing towards the door, life is settling down a little. …

Books to save your life — Mirriam-Webster defines “in the trenches” as a place or situation in which people do very difficult work. All summer, I’ve been in the trenches, dealing with Ben’s illnesses and recovery, including eight days spent sitting at his hospital bedside. Although he’s better, his activities are limited, and I’m doing everything…

My week in photos — On Sunday, as I drove to work, I was caught in a sunshine shower (rain while the sun shines) that created the rainbow above. Rainbows traditionally symbolize hope, good luck, and new beginnings. If I choose to think the rainbow was specifically for me (how selfish), then the rainbow lied…

Returning to a Photo-a-Day — I’ve been mostly absent from Medium for nearly two months. Yes, I published submissions to the publications I own and to Snapshots, but I’ve only been participating on the edges of the platform — rarely commenting, clapping, or writing. As most of you know, Captain Argentina was very ill and…

Summer Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Shine!” — Remembering the shine in the dark. July was a series of dark days. Eight spent in the hospital watching my husband’s health worsening. He left that edifice of healing worse than when he entered. Care was abysmal, attention was lacking, and compassion was infrequent. So bad was his experience that he refused to be admitted during…

Birds are energetic guys, aren’t they? Always flying and flitting about. That’s what I’ve been doing for the past month. But, unlike the bird in Jane’s photo, I am running on empty and running late with this newsletter and our new banner. Thank you, Jane Frost (Jane Grows Garden Rooms)…

July Writing Prompt & Banner — Ronald Flores-Gunkle kindly allowed me to use his photo of an American Kestrel for our July Weeds & Wildflowers banner. I chose this photo because the bird is so striking. …