falling leaves
hide the path
so quietly
~John Bailey
  Autumn, A Haiku Year.

I neglected to let everyone know that this site would be down for a period of time on 10/23 as my hosting provider performed maintenance on the server.   I forgot to back up my database and files (which is sooo ironic, considering my penchant for nagging my clients when it comes to backing up their databases.  Sorry, guys. :-)  ).    Somehow, despite my complete lack of attention, things worked out alright and the GBTL site is up and running this AM.  I dodged a bullet there.

I’m coming off of a week of beeper duty and am looking forward to sunny autumn weather this weekend.   Financially, my life sucks a bit right now, so there will be no jaunts to the coast or mountains (or central Oregon, where I desperately want to be right now).   Instead, I plan to merge storage units. (I’ve got three- 2 5×10s and 1 15×10)  I can cut my costs by more than half ($120 bucks a month!) if I get rid of the two 5×10 units.  Considering that one of these contains empty boxes and cheap plastic patio chairs and the other contains mostly junk (I could just steam-shovel it out and haul it off.  I don’t think I’d miss a thing).   The third unit (15×10) contains camping gear, Christmas decorations, etc-   all stuff I want (and need) to have access to, so I’ll have to be careful about what I move into it and how I store/stack it.  All that exercise I’ve been missing whilst I fall from the fitness wagon?   Well, I suspect that I’ll be catching up a bit in the next couple of days.   This is strength training for my pocketbook, too.  In a year- this change will yield $1440- that’s enough for a very comfortable road trip to Nevada (maybe two!). 

I do hope to break away for a bit and shoot some of the fall color here in Corvallis.  I believe we are just past peak (missed it again!).   All it will take is one good storm to send the remaining foliage to the earth like red, brown, and gold confetti.  Once it’s there, it’s only use is to make the pavement slick and gooey.   I’m having a hard time finding the value in that.

It’s been one Hell of a week.   Hooray for Friday!

A few minutes ago, Sami and I watched out the north facing back windows of our apartment as dozens, if not a hundred or more crows and a handful or starlings frantically flew westward in a hurried and disorganized frenzy.  They appeared to be running flying away from unseen predator.   I half expected some sort of “War of the Worlds” drama to unfold before my eyes.

Mark my words.  Something is happening.  I have no idea what it may be, but something is coming.

I suspect that the cause of this mass panic may have been weather related.  Very soon afterward the avian rush, a soft rain started to fall, accompanied by a chilly breeze.   I haven’t looked at the weather forecast yet, but I would not be surprised if we aren’t in for a rocky night.  (this would be more appreciated if I hadn’t planned on shooting some of the local foliage this afternoon.  Having a good supply of firewood for the night wouldn’t hurt, either.)

Time will tell what unfolds.  However, Sami and I have already decided that we will be adding hot cocoa to the dinner menu this evening.  And marshmallows.

Mark my words.