Whew, what a month it has been! {I feel like every month is a wild ride these days – does anyone else have that experience?} There are a lot of photos in this post, but Mr. and I had a couple adventures during our anniversary staycation, which resulted in some lovely captures.

This beautiful rainbow appeared on our actual anniversary. I don’t know about you, but I always feel deep joy, and hope, in seeing those colors in the sky. We also revisited one of our favorite urban gardens, before our traditional Olive Garden lunch.

A trip to the NC Zoo was a wonderful way to spend an early fall afternoon, and the animals were displaying so much character and personality! The black bear was propped on that rock for all the world like a person at a bar, waiting for his order to be served. Meanwhile the grizzly was less than temped by his Brussels sprout, and the Arctic fox was all sass and fluff. We watched the elephants play in the water for a while, until the trumpeting to rejoin the herd began.

A daytrip over to Horne Creek Farm, where I made a sweet new friend {and the barn cat tried to befriend Mr.}. This is such a beautiful setting, complete with chickens and guineas roaming, and next door is a heritage apple orchard. Makes one daydream about a farm of their own …

A journey to the past by way of Old Salem rounded out our wanderings {fun fact: we ended up revisiting many of our favorite dates on this anniversary staycation tour}. It’s fascinating to think about how long these buildings have been standing – and what they’ve seen.

October has been absolutely gorgeous weather-wise {although very, very dry}, which is not only conducive to adventuring, but has made working outside more enjoyable. The critters seem to be enjoying the weather too – after a rather chilly snap {including our first frost!}, things have moderated into perfect balance … I even have volunteer green beans growing!

I’m not sure who is enjoying the lingering blooms more: the pollinators or us!

The carport-patio is a happening place: Charlotte left her egg-case for us to watch over, and this tiny anole runs out to sip water when I water the violas. I giggled when I managed to capture mid-leap.

October was unexpectedly busy: our adventures; work outside to get ready for winter; joining Mr. volunteering for his work’s Day of Service. There were good moments and crazy moments, and many in between. But looking back, there were so many moments of joy and promise and hope and beauty. I hope yours had such moments also.

Here’s to November, and sliding ever deeper into cozy season … May we all find the joy.