magnolia

the teen & friend take a weekly biology class almost an hour away, so it makes sense for me to hang out in the local area until it's time to drive them back home. i have tended to hang out at grounded coffee for the food, comfort, ambiance, and free wifi, but i also like to take stock of what's going on outside.

compared to last week's drier, warmer temps, this week has been cooler and much, much wetter. last class found me wandering the grounds in search of signs of fall, this week i got my shoes wet investigating a magnolia tree.

i'm glad i will have the chance to see this tree through the spring.

uncle wiggily and the camping boys

if you haven't heard jim weiss reading uncle wiggily stories, you are really missing out. they are a staple in our home.

found via local homeschool crowdsourcing, i made a reservation for my own camping boys at pohick bay. it was their first time; won't be the last. maybe i'll join them in cooler weather.

oh, here's a gratuitous picture of them as cookie monster and john oliver, based on a video they frequently watch before bed:

in business attire for heading to work

onset of autumn

we've been patiently waiting for autumn to arrive. it's gotten cooler and cloudier and it's supposed to rain all this week, so maybe we've finally moved past the late summer heat wave. the walks to and from school in the mornings have been more pleasant for me, at least, as are my waits at various locations during homeschool classes.

in the gas pipeline meadow

my view at compass whilst the teen does architecture

i haven't really walked in what seems like ages. glad a friend reached out to take me along a scenic trail.

discovered outside whilst the teen learned biology

discovered outside whilst the teen learned biology

discovered outside whilst the teen learned biology

discovered outside whilst the teen learned biology

discovered outside whilst the teen learned biology

meadowlark

meadowlark