October 1, 2020 thought for the today: Plan your life at New Year's eve, your day at dawn. Japanese Proverb

You know about those robo calls? I had one at 8:00 this morning. I was just shutting down the computer to get ready to go to church to do the Thursday printing. When I put the phone back on the carrier it slipped and went behind the desk and onto the floor. It was behind the computer and all of its wiring and two loaded surge protectors. As I pulled everything out to get to the errant phone I unplugged the Spectrum system....TV, phone and wifi all went out. At the same time, I managed to unplug the computer, speakers and external hard drives. What a way to start the day.

September 30's photo a day title, “design”. I have mentioned that photographing ideas is difficult for me. For this one I visited the online site of my peers in this international photo group where this photo a day venture takes place. Since it is international and we offer a different photo with a specific title for each of us every day I knew there would be some “design” images already uploaded (since it is a 24 hour thing and time differences enter into the picture). Some of the “designs” were of the character or design in results of aging on implements such as tools and objects. So my first thought then we of the ages old flat iron I happen to have in my possession. 

The printings went fine, three separate articles done and done. Now for a couple of days to step back except that there is the church directory to work on and finishing the message/hymn lyrics for Saturday night. It was also mentioned that I would do the wedding program for the nuptials coming up in about three weeks. I have never done a wedding program. It would require making an outline, creating or finding a template, finding and downloading appropriate art. Not knowing the taste of the bride and groom it would be a daunting task requiring time with them and time in searching. I must be feeling my age because a few years ago I would have been eager to show off my wares. Not so much now. 

After I left the church, I made a circle on the way home to look for today’s photo of the day. I found a few to add to the list to look at on Photoshop later this afternoon. 

The title for the photo today is “a fence”. I shot several examples on my way home, one of the tennis court fence at Westgate Park, one by the church that is covered in plant growth, several of my neighbors and one in my own back yard. 

When I finally got home, I got the computer hooked back up and running and then started the laundry. 

The word is mystery.  Mystery hovers over all things here below, Alphonse de Lamartine.  Secrecy is the element of all goodness; even virtue, even beauty is mysterious, Thomas Carlyle. The heavens are full of floating mysteries, Thomas Buchanan Read.  We injure mysteries, which are matters of faith, by any attempt at explanation in order to make them matters of reason. Could they be explained, they would cease to be mysteries; and it has been well said that a thing is not necessarily against reason because it happens to be above it, Charles Caleb Colton. A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other, Charles Dickens. The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery, Francis Bacon. Mornings are mysteries; the first world's youth, Man's resurrection, and the future's bud Shroud in their births, Henry Vaughan. It is easier to gaze into the sun, than into the face of the mystery of God. Such is its beauty and its radiance, Hildegard of Bingen. Abide close to the cross, and search the mystery of His wounds, Charles Spurgeon.   

Yesterday was the close of the photo of the day for the month of September so I put together my monthly composite of the daily photos.  

At least this article is another bit of good that comes from the pandemic. It is really getting to be one of the two most covered events going on in our lives. I keep telling myself: Into each life a (little) rain must fall......much easier said than done. “Backyard Bliss in Upper Arlington”. The owners of this property bought it recognizing it’s “stylish architecture”, back yard near a park and the swimming pool. The pool became a major attraction, they have dedicated time for adults use and for kids use. They expanded the fence enclosed deck to accommodate larger groups of friends. Eventually an outdoor kitchen was added as well as landscaping “to match the home’s midcentury” style. Countertops, a grill, a refrigerator, dishwasher, outdoor TV and a pergola were added to spruce up the surrounding and make it more comfortable to wait out the pandemic in comfort. To add to the relaxation space plants in a ‘geometric’ style, decorative grasses were added. Located next to the home is a “neighborhood pocket park” which added to the peaceful vision. As a final touch lights were added along the trees, the kitchen and paths and walls. The family do not cover the pool, for one reason it is L shaped and difficult to cover. For another reason, it is a 24-hour feature of the property. The have used the pool for not only family gathers and entertaining but also for a business meeting. 

I think we will have left overs added to some fresh creamed chicken on biscuits for dinner. 

Joy