Portland was visited by the first frost of the season last night, and my car was covered in a thin, perfectly even dusting when I rushed out the door, coffee in hand, this morning. I drove out the driveway and attempted to maintain “twenty is plenty” on the spedometer as I drove several blocks toward my office windows down, music up – blasting over-produced pop hits from one of Neve’s favorite, local airwaves 105.1 The Buzz left over from our drive home last night. The crisp coolness and clear skies were an unmistakable sign of what’s on the horizon in the weeks ahead (insert: rain). By the time I made a left turn out of our neighborhood, the radio dial was adjusted to OPB, and I took in a dose of morning edition on my way to meeting the Max train for the second leg of my commute.

I indulged in a stroll down the street when I returned home this afternoon to catch a current snapshot and experiment with a dated Nikon camera gifted by my dad (he’s a collector of sorts and cameras are an enduring object of his affection).

I am co-hosting our annual block party with a couple close neighbors in two weeks – we were planning for the festivities this weekend but 62 degrees under downpours with the threat of thunderstorms compelled a rain-check (ha!). There will be live music (thanks to Cary Novotny and friends), potluck-style fare, local brews, opportunities for activism, and more!

We are so lucky to live around thoughtful, generous, inclusive neighbors often looking for ways to share more among those with less. Our block party will include a clothing and essential supplies drive for refugees.

Now that we’ve circled around the sun twice in this home (it feels to me like you can’t really acquaint yourself with a new dwelling and its surroundings till you’ve weathered all the seasons together), I know another undeniable indicator of fall’s looming arrival is the second harvest of figs that appear on our tree. These delectable little fruits ripen in early summer and again in early fall – look forward to forthcoming fig recipes! It’s time for me to run Neve over to soccer practice. Cheers until next time!