Waiting…for bedtime. I had a full day with the grandchildren after a night with insufficient sleep. I am tired. 

Feeling…sad that yesterday’s snowstorm and winds took down a big section of my May day tree. My son says it’s time to take down the whole tree and I agree—reluctantly. Last summer another big section came down, and I don’t want to live my life waiting for the next branch to fall. Still, I can’t bear to think of my front yard without that beautiful tree.

(Yes, we really did have snow. Four or five inches of heavy wet stuff. It was very hard on the trees that still have leaves.)

Also feeling…happy to have all the garden carrots harvested. I scraped the snow away and dug the rest this morning while the grandkids played in the back yard. 

Laughing…at this: Two-year-old granddaughter to three-year-old granddaughter, “Let’s go have privacy in the bathroom.”

And this, too: Three-year-old to two-year-old (who had just had a potty accident): “That happens to me, too … (long pause) … when I was really little.”

Thanking…God for my oldest granddaughter, who turned three today. This time three years ago she was on a medevac plane to a children’s hospital, so I am especially thankful that she is here and healthy and bringing me joy.

Still reading…Taking God Seriously: Vital Things We Need to Know by J. I. Packer, but almost finished.

Finished reading…The House of Wittgenstein: A Family at War by Alexander Waugh. I loved this history of the family of philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. Strange story (suicides, world wars, wealth), compellingly written.

Thinking…I need another historical book to read. Any suggestions?

Complaining…that I need more quiet in my life. Still, I know that my life, with people in and out daily, interrupting my plans and muddling my focus, is the life I’ve been given, and most of the time, I love it. I never get bored or lonely, and that’s a blessing, isn’t it?

Wishing…you an October filled with service to God and the people you love.