this time last year

I was just thinking about the snow we had this time last year. These pics were taken February 2nd and 3rd (2011) respectively. Some places had higher snow than others. The snow plow mangled my mailbox that day.

school days

Some children returned to school this week. My own family homeschools, but I see lots of other peoples' kids outside these days.

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As a commuter, it's mildly annoying to have the school busses stop the traffic, but while I wait, my mind takes a journey back to my youth. I remember what it was like returning to elementary school. I remember colorful leaves, pencil cases. I can still hear the way a skillful teacher used chalk to punctuate a lesson. Mmmm... the smell of soup in a thermos, Elmer's paste, crayons, coffee and perfume (the teacher's). I remember favorite sites along the way to school, the toy store, the Army surplus, the barking dogs at the car dealership. And oh, spelling bees... I was good at spelling! Some people don't like sweaters, but I love them because it is a link to this season. The nights are cooler; that's perfect for sleeping!

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(inhaling deeply) I love this time of year!

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Friends, the leaf pic looks color saturated because I placed it on a purple cloth, but that's the real deal. Our colors are just starting to turn here.