Random 5 for October 4, 2026 – Seasonal changes, adapting, healthy again, friends, new routines

Gallery

Posted on by

The changing of the seasons – A switch flipped. There is a different kind of electricity in the air. I’m longing for sweatshirts and jeans. And fleece…lots of fleece. The deer are mating and squirrels are…umm…squirrely. It’s that time.

A visitor — There is a tiny toad that visits. He has been sighted in my yard and in our neighbor’s flower pots. I saw him in our drainpipe yesterday and got a picture. Several years ago I bought a large bag of mulch. As I opened it something moved. Scared the daylights out of me because I thought it had to be a snake. As I looked closer it was a tiny toad. I carefully moved it to a groundcover patch where I thought it would find food. I’ve wondered if this is THAT toad. I see no other toads in the area. I wonder if he’s lonely.

Goofy week – Both the beloved husband and Sasha the cat have recovered from whatever malady they had last weekend. Even though I was not affected, I also needed massive naps to recover. Worry and anxiety (and being the only functioning adult in the household) are almost as debilitating as the illness itself! We have no idea what caused either illness.

One last time before hibernation – We saw our friends for one last picnic yesterday. The day was pleasant. There was a fall hint in the air, but it was warm enough to be outside. We haven’t seen this bunch in a long time. There have been health crises, vacations, visiting relatives, and other obstacles. It was great to catch up with everyone. Now into the cave for the deep winter sleep.

Speaking of friends – I met up with my long-term girlfriends (notice I didn’t say old!) this past week too. It was our last “supper.” With the seasons and light changing (no one wants to drive in the dark), our next get-together will be for lunch. It’s part of life’s transitions (that you never even thought about when you were young!).

So how was your week?

55 thoughts on “Random 5 for October 4, 2026 – Seasonal changes, adapting, healthy again, friends, new routines”

  3. What a delightful capture of your toad visitor. Too cute. Glad to hear the household has recovered from last week’s health mystery and thrilled you got in a picnic with your friends. There’s a chill in the air (at least in the early morning and evening hours. It’s toasty warm during the day (88F right now-yikes!!). There’s a golden light appearing and while the leaves are slow to change color, you can definitely feel autumn in the air. Wearing long sleeves and socks again feels sooooo cozy and perfect.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  4. Glad you said “long-term” friend. I like it much better and will probably steal it. Going out at night? I remember not going out until morning, meaning 12am in the morning. Don’t ask me to be out past 8pm now.

    That toad looks like he’s eating good.

    (I love fall. We’re in my favorite month of the year.)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  8. Yes, all of a sudden, it’s time to start layering up here as well – today was a gorgeous day, but it started off with a couple of hours of light rain. Fall is my favorite season, always has been, but, in the back of my mind, while I see colorful leaves and great smells, I am mindful of what is coming down the pipeline when I see shorter days and a frost advisory for Tuesday morning – ugh. That’s great that the beloved husband and Sasha are feeling better.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  10. That’s a great toad picture.

    It sounds like you had a fantastic week–beloved husband and Sasha having recovered and two gatherings with friends.

    Fall has arrived so fast. Soon all those beautiful red, orange and yellow leaves will fall and we’ll have to sweep them up.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  14. Love the ‘toon and the toad too! Not everyone gets their very own yard toad. We used to have one and Angel Sammy loved it – they were buds – Sam walked behind him as he hopped and would nudge him with his nose to make Mr. Toad hop again. It was sweet. We’re ready for cold weather – good thing we are – we’ve had days of rain and temps in the 40s. Bring on the FLEECE!

    Hugs, Pam

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • We had one night in the 40s but otherwise have been mile. This week will be highs in the low 70s so you never know what you’ll get at night. I’m ok with it. What I’m not ok with is the nasty cold that comes in January.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  18. I am so happy you have a Tiny Toad! And a picture too, Kate. I hope he isn’t lonely. He couldn’t have hopped his way to a better yard/home. It is good to hear that everybody is doing well. True about anxiety being almost as debilitating as the illness of the peeps that aren’t feeling good. Yep, night time driving isn’t fun driving. It’s amazing how the traffic disappears here when the sun sets! Our week was hot, humid and rainy with a side of lovebugs all over the cars. Lucky You having fall weather. Have a wonderful Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  20. The cooler temps have me in sweatshirts and turtlenecks, and it feels good. I’ll be tired of it all before March, but right now the cooler days are very welcome. Nice to open the windows overnight and curl up in my warm bed. Gracie doesn’t like to sleep with me when it is warm, but she’s back to cuddling up with me now that temps are cooling.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

Don't be shy, I'd love to hear what you're thinking!