My weekly exercise in gratitude, or as some of my blogging friends put it, three things that made me smile this week.
This autumn has been freakishly warm—no chilly days and cold nights—and the leaves have not been as brilliant as they usually are this time of year. Nevertheless, fall is here, with its wonderful slant of light. While the days might not be crisp and invigorating, they are still cool enough for a morning bowl of oatmeal.
So, first: Oatmeal for breakfast with a generous serving of Maine blueberries, the sweetest of them all.
Second, the autumn leaves. Although less brilliant than they usually are, the leaves still bring a burst of beauty and color to the landscape and, as pictured below, our backyard.
Third, the look of autumn, which spills over everything, including the memorial bench in our backyard and the little cat I bought to honor my mother, who passed away nine years ago.
A final gratitude, a bonus, if you will: I am so thankful to live in an area that has four distinct seasons that each bring their own kind of beauty.
thi
Notes From the Hinterland 
Good thing you took the oatmeal photo before you stirred in the blueberries and the whole thing turned purple!
Yes, yes. But delicious even purple. Love those blueberries.
Three lovely pictures for me to be grateful for. Touched by the cat. It seems your mother rests in peace.
Thanks, Beth!
I’m grateful for the same three things, though I’d like to throw a few almonds or walnuts into that oatmeal.
I followed your advice and added walnuts to my morning oatmeal. Scrummy!
The oatmeal with Maine blueberries looks delicious Laurie, the leaves look gorgeous and the photograph of the little cat is especially beautiful. So many blessings here and we wish you all a wonderful weekend :o) xxx
Thanks, Xenia!
We have had a couple of waves of autumn color, usually a few days before rain, which has taken off that layer of leaves. However, Tuesday night, the trees that were still green turned yellow, red, rust, and brown. We have enjoyed the color for this week. Saturday night, rain is coming. I have tried out the new leaf blower too. It may have enough power to send me 20 feet up into a tree, if I point it the wrong way. -Oscar
Be sure to have someone catch it on camera if you go twenty feet up that tree. 😉
Blueberries on oatmeal is my favorite breakfast!
I love the little stone cat, sleeping peacefully. That is a beautiful memorial. Your mother is resting peacefully.
An excellent post, particularly the cat. It must be a comfort at times.