November Rose

What a gorgeous, summer-like day we had; a bit of a surprise for early November, perhaps what they might even call a little slice of Indian Summer. It was a day that called the children out to play, and so the child inside each of us answered. We went outside. We couldn't help it.

On campus, the foliage colors are glorious, and people were relaxing everywhere, trying to make the most of it while it lasted. People enjoyed ice cream (and milk shakes!) at the Creamery. Turtles did yoga on the duck pond while three little goldfinches took turns taking showers in a nearby waterfall.

I saw so many beautiful things on this day that I could hardly take it in. Indeed, I took so many pictures that I haven't even looked at half of them yet. There were so many fine moments, so much glory.

It would be hard, though, to compete with this moment from the morning. I visited the Arboretum at first light and was charmed to discover that the dew was still on the roses. So here is a gift of summer in autumn: the sweet November rose.

The soundtrack has to be the song The Rose. Here are two versions: one a solo effort by Bette Midler, and one a duet featuring Bette Middler and Wynonna Judd. Enjoy!