November is a strange month. Americans have Veterans' Day, and we here in Canada have Remembrance Day, both on November 11, and both are somber. But Americans also have their biggest holiday of the year on the last Thursday of the month, their Thanksgiving Day (which includes major Santa Claus parades nation wide). And I am sad to say that the anniversary of the death of Anita G. also happens in this dark, cold, and mostly dreary month. Instead of celebrating her 63rd birthday with friends and family, her passing will have occurred three years ago this month (on her 60th birthday). I can't even imagine how Randy gets through November, let alone the rest of the months. He has a grandchild now, something I am sure helps keep him going.
Though it is dark and dreary tonight, it is mild, and has been most of the month. The leaves are finally beginning to change. A bit of snow is forecast for Sunday, but nothing very scary. In case any readers are wondering where I've been lately, I will just say that we have had four clear nights in a row. I had enough energy and drive to use three of them for observing in the countryside, a drive of 40 miles each way. The notes are now finished, and I have some free time again. Piano practice was not affected, but movie watching suffered considerably, as did reading time.
This Saturday I hope to meet up with Jenn G., my former student/drinking buddy (the other is Amanda). We are planning to meet in Kingsville. Jenn lives in Cambridge, about three hours drive east of here. Kingsville has three brewery taprooms on its short main street, as well as a fine cafe, a chocolate shop, and many other places of interest. Deb's mom is in a retirement home in the community, so Deb will join us after visiting with her mom (and drive me home).
Deb's next infusion is on Thursday. She has been taking a drug called Symponi now for over 7 years, in combination with a low dose of methotrexate, and her RA symptoms have mostly vanished as a result. Since then she has climbed the highest mountain in New Mexico, and had shoulder surgery, among other feats of endurance (such as living with me during those years). She continues to make animated short films of very high quality, and recently (this week and last) has won yet more awards for three of her films now showing in festivals worldwide. Her name is certainly out there in the world of film.
I haven't taken any photos yet this autumn, but here is a nice one from an earlier time, of our backyard. It's looking very similar out back this week.
Mapman Mike
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