And so it begins, the waiting for the town to process our permits so contractors can start work. I was warned that my town was the worst for getting permits approved in a timely manner. There’s a house a few blocks away that had a second story added several months ago. They’re using the same contractor we are, but they haven’t been able to occupy the new floor because they’re waiting on the town inspectors. I’m envisioning living in a construction zone until Christmas. First world problems, I know.

Yesterday was National Velociraptor Awareness Day. Maybe that’s why someone dumped over-ripe avocados and oranges on the ground at the trail intersection—food for a random velociraptor passing through? Encountered a couple of five-lined common skinks today, soaking up the sun on the bridge over the creek.

Autumn used to be my favorite season, but after spending 20 years in Virginia, I think spring has taken first place. All the flowers and flowering trees and shrubs have just been stunning these past few years. The white flower is our own viburnum at the end of the drive. I never get tired of looking at it. I know Mom would love it here in spring, and I wish I could bring her here to see it. Sadly, there’s been another Covid case at her new place, so they’re on lockdown for two weeks. As if things weren’t bad enough.