Collecting: Black Cats

 Monday, October 6, 2025

Collecting: Decorative Pumpkins

Friday, October 3, 2025

I have a number of collections. More thanI probably should but I enjoy them. Early October is when I often start 

Early October is when I often start hauling out the ceramic pumpkins. 

I couldn't get the lid on the pumpkin on the left to sit correctly. I thought maybe I mismatched one top and one bottom when I packed them up last year but to my surprise all the other ones fit just right. 

I'll also mix in other real pumpkins and other gourds to decorate. 

I enjoy having many collections as I think things in groups make a stronger statement than just a single object. More than one of the same type of item allows them all to highlight each other by showing contrasts and differences. Many of my collections are related to the holidays so October is when my pumpkin collection begins to appear. The jack-o-lanterns will come out next but I usually pack those back up after Halloween. However the pumpkins will remain until very early December. 

There are numerous reasons why people collect things. For myself I believe my collections, especially my holiday ones,  offer a sense of nostalgia and connection to past happy memories. 

When I go shopping I believe there's always the chance of possibly coming across an item which might fit into one of my collections. I love  the potential thrill of discovering something that's particularly beautiful and unique to fit in one of my collections. 

There is also the act of organizing and curating by collections which provides a sense of control and accomplishment for me. It also offers me a sense of security in what often feels to be an increasingly dangerous and chaotic world. 

I don't set up a bad display. 

Carving pumpkins is an early and fond Halloween memory for me. Whenever I cut open a pumpkin now the smell immediately bring me back to the kitchen floor of the house on Stevens. Mom or Dad would cut the top out of the pumpkin and the destinctive smell would hit me. My job was to help scrape out the goop. 

I've always wondered how that scent related memory is felt so vividly. According to AI, "Our sense of smell, or olfaction, is profoundly connected to memory because of its unique and direct neural pathway to the brain's emotional and memory centers. Unlike other senses, olfactory signals do not first pass through the thalamus, the brain's main relay station for sensory information. This allows smells to trigger vivid, emotionally charged memories more immediately and powerfully than visual or auditory cues."

Impending Fall: Decorative Pumpkins

Sunday, September 22, 2024

It's not uncommon for decorative pumpkins to start appearing in the house the last part of September especially when the month starts to feel a bit more like fall than summer. 

We've been unseasonably warm this September and we're just now beginning to see hints of fall like earlier sunsets, cooler temps, and leaves starting to subtly turn shades other than green. Pumpkins, Halloween candy, and Halloween themed items are appearing in the grocery store. 

Enjoying the Back Yard

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Halfway through September. Enjoying a cigar in the backyard to celebrate a beautiful summer day. 

Lit up in the garage this afternoon.

Sat out in the yard and enjoyed the view. 

Mike was over recently. We sat out back after dark and smoked cigars. He told me he loves sitting in my back yard and I told him I love sitting in my backyard too. We sat facing north looking into Josh and Breanna's yard and beyond the other side of the street. With all the lights it really did look rather magical. We looked at the stars too and found the Big Dipper. At this time of year the Big Dipper is easily seen if you look up just past the north of our roof line. 

                     

The weather today was warm and a little humid but there was a nice breeze. Sitting in the shade was really very pleasant.

I listened to Babs and also I listened to Marcia, the annoying cockapoo next door.

She's cute but she barks too much. 

Anyway, I'm ever appreciative of having this backyard space for many reasons, not the least of which is to smoke cigars. (Today's was an Oliva. Always a good choice for me.  Dale drove me to Anthony's Cigars after brunch at the Lowbrow.)

The Porch

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Been spending some time tidying up the porch. It's such a modest space but still one of my favorite rooms in the house. 

Sylvester

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Pets make life better. I adore this cat and am so happy to share this space with him. This morning he made it difficult for me to get moving and do some things that needed doing. I actually didn't mind at all. 

Happy New Year!

 January 1, 2024

Minimal snow so far this season.