NOVEMBER CAN BE LONELY on my island in the San Juans.
It’s rarely quieter. I’ve gone days without seeing another human being. Galley Cat and I have kept each other company as the rains have made it a time for quiet indoor days of writing, reading and a good quotient of pleasant napping. For me, a new friendship is blossoming as we correspond by email. So not so lonely.
Perceptions sharpen among the peace and quiet. Stepping up the back path on a walk with Galley this morning, I noticed with a start, as if a breeze had snatched my hat: The maples have changed.
Just yesterday I noticed that maples around my place were still mostly green with leaf, unusual this far into the season.
But overnight that changed, adding splashes of soul-gladdening color among the evergreens. It’s a short period every autumn, but memorable for how the maples enliven the landscape with this painterly contrast of gold peeking from the green.
My heart swelled at the sight, and I ran for my camera.
Another happy note: The Mad Birder and his lovely wife, Carol the Wonderful Watercolorist, have arrived next door for a few days’ visit, and I’m invited to dinner. I baked cookies to take for dessert. Maybe Carol will daub a painting of the maples while she’s here. Perhaps an overflight of southward honking geese will catch M.B.’s ear.
As November arrived, the island was cold and wet. Tonight it’s feeling warmer. I’m enjoying a visit with friends, and a gift from Mother Nature.
Cantwell's Reef 
What a marvelous gift to this reader of your appreciation of gold and friendship.
Sweet posting.
Christi Norman and I had dinner recently before going to the 15th anniversary of the Seward Park Audubon/now Nature Center and reminisced about all your birding trail features! And decided, if you’d have us, we’d like to come visit you on Center island. Email us and let’s talk.
Hilary – on behalf of Christi too
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Aww , you silver tongued devil you ! Wishing you peace and.prosperity!
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