From Mrs. Cog's Corner

In what I thought was a compromise, made by moving to literally the middle of nowhere, I accepted that until our child unit graduates, she would need to be driven to the bus stop several miles away just to catch a ride to the nearest elementary school. From there she would then travel on another bus to the high school on the other side of the county. The process is then reversed in the afternoon, making for a long day for both of us.

As the autumn progressed and snaps of frigid weather arrived, I braced myself for the obligation of getting up extra early, bundling up to warm the car and then transporting a semi-conscious, less than peppy teen (as they tend to be at the crack of dawn) to her appointed destination.

Then, something unexpected and wonderful happened. As if to reward me for my daily efforts, the sun and sky conspired. While we approached and then passed the Winter Solstice, the timing of my morning errand gifted me with spectacular colors which often left me in awe. Below are just a few of those pictures.

From Mrs. Cog's Corner

Cog tells me we can find inspiration wherever we look. Since we left the 'burbs and came to the mountain I feel as if I trip over inspiration wherever I turn.

On a visit together to the new homestead, while we were still preparing to move here, I asked Cog if he could plant some lilacs at the new place once we were settled in. The scent of lilacs reminds me of summers as a child and I have yet to find any flower I like more. On his next solo visit to the new property, when Spring was in full bloom, Cog discovered the above pictured lilacs all along the front split rail fence. It was a complete surprise to both of us to find them there since we had viewed and purchased the property in the dead of winter.

The seller, who hand built the cabin and developed this homestead with his late wife, told us the story of how they acquired the lilacs. Many years ago his grandmother had ordered a kit house from the Sears and Roebuck catalog. Apparently in the old days you could do that.  Grandma had planted lilacs outside that house and they were very healthy and propagated baby lilacs for many in their family. Our lilac bush was from Grandma's original lilac and over the years grew so vigorously that many more have been weaned from the first. Knowing the history of our lilacs makes them that much more endearing to us. I am most excited for fresh blooms come the Spring.

We would be honored if anyone would care to share their personal stories of inspiration below as well.