Once a year I paint my nails in a dark shade. When the summer nights seems far behind me and my mood swings into a darker slower pace I get out the color Garnet. I am far away from goth and from upscale which are the two sub-groups that can pull of a super dark shade of nail polish.

My nails don’t sport the vampy dressings very long but it is a dramatic run while it lasts.

I have a metromint water bottle on display. I hate it. Peter Loves it with a capital L.

The season of preparation is upon us as temperatures dip to hat wearing depths. Good news the sun is still warm and the trees are changing so slowly and beautifully. I have a photo walk in the plans- no photos yet.

Grammy Kris harvests transplant shoots to nurse over the winter as Ryan draws her glasses.

We have friends in town that we adore. The Donovans! Now a family of four Matt, Kristin, Jaimes and Gracie are in MN to celebrate a family wedding. We are going to steal them for a day. We are going to the apple orchard tomorrow. I already have visions of homemade apple sauce swirling in my head.

Ryan visits with Jaimes up from Texas in the summer of 2005.

Jaimes, 4, and Ryan, 3 11/12. They are already fast friends that love to play yard games, eat S'mores and watch cartoons.