We here at the Homestead firmly believe that September is the finest month of weather of the year. The warmth is still there, but far less intense than August. Since moving down here and getting used to flowers still blooming well through October and into November, there have been few opportunities to fully enjoy the month. Since most people return to school and jobs, the month is usually seen sideways, rather than straight on. But with retirement comes time to enjoy many things once only glanced at sideways. No excuses now. Though it's still too hot to hike in New Mexico, unless you stay up around 9,000', in our part of Canada one couldn't ask for better weather. We've been on a sunshine streak, too, though that should end tomorrow, along with some cooler breezes. Even the family in Sudbury has been enjoying the month.
Speaking of Sudbury, I will soon be on my way there, my first trip since the pandemic began. My last visit to the north was in early November, 2019. I will experience a very different September there than here, though only 4 degrees of latitude separate us. And New Mexico? I have already given up two of my almost last years of good hiking to the pandemic. Oddly enough, though, I have never been in better overall physical condition. Over 15 months of daily exercise now, and counting. Weird. With about four weeks to prep for mountains, I can be ready to climb again. And Detroit? It's been 20 months since my last visit. We should be hearing soon as to when or if the border will reopen to Canadians. Last we heard it was closed till the 21st. Will that be extended?
In music news, I have finally parted with my pandemic piano program, and am fully engaged in a new one. I got to perform four times, and though I wish more people could have heard the pieces, my brain desperately needs new repertoire to attack. Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schubert, and Joplin are on the program. Most of the pieces should be decent by Christmas, with perhaps a late winter concert.
In film news, Deb is finishing up her episode of Yorick's undersea adventure, a project that was interrupted when her mom moved down to this area. It is likely her most elaborate Yorick episode to date, filled with stunning graphics and the usual hilarious skull's humour. Several of her films continue to be shown at festivals around the globe, though she has been finding that it is becoming harder and harder to get accepted. Some festivals that used to get a few hundred entries now get several thousand.
Turning to art, most gallery goers know of Canaletto and his detailed paintings of Venice. Far fewer (me included) know much about his prints, but these open up another whole world of adventurous seeing. We'll look at two eventually (one today), and one by Bellotto. Here is the first one.
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