Autumn Foliage

These photographs were taken by my brother David in northern Maine

Don't you love his little truck.

What have I been reading lately?

I am often asked this question. Actually, I am only reading four books at the current time. I have a terrible habit of reading multiple books simultaneously.

First, I am enjoying a novel called "The Angels Game" by the best selling Spanish writer, Carlos Ruiz Zafron. This is a story of intrigue, romance and tragedy. I have just recently finished reading his earlier book, "The Shadow of the Wind"

Second, I am reading "Dream Tigers", a collection of poems, parables, stories and sketches by the Argentine poet, Jorge Luis Borges. I have read most of Borges' works.

Thirdly, I am reading Ted Kennedy's memoir, True Compass.

Lastly, my latest acquisition is "As God Commands" by the young Italian novelist, Niccolo Ammaniti. This is a story of the relationship between a young boy and his father and is set in a gritty section of industrial Italy, unlike the beautiful Italian landscapes that we read so much about.

MEDICAL UPDATE

I spent the day Tuesday making the rounds of my doctors.



My gastroenterologist - My iron count is back to normal thanks to a cauterization of a small leaky vein and iron tablets. My doctor believes there is still a leak somewhere. He will monitor it and I will continue taking iron tablets (ugh).



My cardiologist - An EKG test looked good. Blood pressure good. Declared OK for eye surgery.



My eye surgeon - I am scheduled for surgery on October 8th. Cateracts will be removed from my right eye and a new lens implanted. The surgery will only take ten to twenty minutes and I will return home the same day. If all goes well I will no longer need glasses. A few weeks later the procedure will be repeated for the left eye.

Preparing the garden for fall and winter

Preparing for winter storage

Fall flags

I have been busy in the garden

moving perennials

planting spring bulbs

ordering more spring bulbs

planning next year's design changes

In the meantime there is still a bit of color to enjoy

Happy Birthday to me!

I was happy to spend time with Dante and Roman on my birthday.

Dante decorated the cake.

Thanks Ed and Mary for the gifts.

The next day I was pleased to spend time with my nephews Riley and Connor.

Thanks Cissy and Gerry for the beautiful sweater

and the great lunch at Not Your Average Joes.

Brimfield Flea Market

Jim, Sandy and I spent the day today at the Brimfield field market which is a large annual event which combines antiques and flea market items in a one week sale.

Jim had the right idea. He brought his bike along to cover the large area.

There were acres of booths lining both sides of the highway stretching out for about a mile. It was a little overwhelming and even though we were there for several hours I got the feeling we just scratched the surface.

I bought myself an Amish farmer's hat.

For lunch we each had a plate of Polish food eaten at an outside table.

There was Golumpki or stuffed cabbage; delicious potato pancake; Perogies which is something like a ravioli stuffed with a mixture of potato, cheese, and sour cream; and finally a piece of keilbasa with roasted red peppers and onions. Very good.

Judith Ann Carter Swimm

Sad news from Maine.

Judy Carter died on September 2, 2009 at the age of 66.

I last saw Judy about about 4 years ago on a visit to Maine. She had gone blind, but she hugged me and kissed me; I thought she wasn't going to let me go. I wanted to visit her on my recent visit but was told that she was in Bangor for treatment.

I was surprised to learn that Judy had four children, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. I still think of her as little Judy who lived on Cherry Hill, the little girl I babysat.

She loved my mother, and both she and her brother Ronnie always called Mom Grammie Stella.

Gifts may be made in her memory to Judith Ann Swimm Memorial Fund, c/0 Dunn Feral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton ME 04730.