Wandering Home

            Michigan was showing off with trees sporting deep reds and blinding yellows. I went in search of that perfect shot but diverted from autumn leaves to seed pods and intricate patterns. The sugar beets fascinated me with the way the light played through their stems. Delicious time spent with my daughter was too short and I had to be back in Port Hope to speak to a group of avid readers.

            Autumn colour enticed me with my camera to wander back roads. I left Port Hope after speaking to an attentive group about Wandering Backward and spending the night with life-long friends simply catching up. I took advantage of the glorious weather to head along the

Welcome Road

to Garden Hill. The leaves were just hinting that they would turn brilliant shades within days. My destination was Oshawa where I intended to spend a few days with relatives. Garden Hill has changed little since I was there last - over 60 years ago. The vistas of rolling hills nourished me – something I don’t experience in the Ottawa Valley that stretches long and flat.

            Once in Oshawa, I gathered up my elderly relatives and drove to Port Perry and beyond. The fall leaves eluded us, there were yellows but few reds, but I did capture one or two decent shots. The next day we drove along the lakeshore to Port Hope. Even though I’ve been in Ottawa for more years then I was ever in the Port Hope/Cobourg area, I still miss the big lake. This drive was my Lake Ontario fix.

            The drive back to Ottawa presented more fall colours than I’d seen since leaving Michigan. However, I drove and did not stop to take pictures. I arrived home to learn that the Chicken Soup for the Soul O Canada was due to launch on November 1 (I will keep you posted) and my story On The Hill is being featured. Also, the new children’s book Snow Business has gone to print. Yea! I can hardly wait to see them. This was truly a celebration for Thanksgiving.