IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL EVENING ON GRAND.

My husband and I took a walk downtown a little before 7 last night.  The weather was still warm, there was a golden glow from the setting sun and Grand was nicely busy.  Not crazy crowds and blaring music, but an easy going group serenaded by mid-century rock and roll from the speakers mounted on the trees in the median strip.  I realize now that it sounded a lot like hearing the music from a dashboard radio and that was just perfect.  The restaurants were full and people seemed to understand that they were experiencing what might be the last beautiful evening of the year.  It was a pefect time to be in Escondido, and we loved every minute of it.  See you Monday.

FOR A COZY AFTERNOON, POUR SOME TEA AND ADD A FEW RAINDROPS.

When my husband told me it was raining last night, I ran outside to feel it for myself...it was heavenly and I fell asleep to the lullaby of raindrops. Okay, so the amount of rainfall was not "significant," but let's not dismiss it so lightly.  All the plants that have been covered with dirt and soot got a nice washing, as did the streets and sidewalks.  I also think it just plain freshens the air.  As I type this, I see more clouds forming outside and the weather report predicts more rain tomorrow.  I think I'll go to the library for a new novel, fluff up the cushions on the couch, head to Trader Joe's for some tea and cookies, and plan to spend tomorrow cozied up in front of a fire.  I'll also head down to the Farmers' Market today if it doesn't get rained out.  A nice pot of  minestrone would be good for dinner. See you tomorrow.

IN ESCONDIDO, THIS IS AUTUMN COLOR.

While the leaves are turning all over the cold parts of this country, we have our own colorful fall.  Our Cape Honeysuckle is coered in orange flowers and the garden wall is draped in bouganvilla. Last year we planted three bouganvillas.  Two have struggled to survive, while the third has absolutely thrived.  I know it's a combination of sun and just the right amount of water that makes that one gorgeous while the one ten feet away always looks to be on its last legs. They say the roots are very finicky and if you make a mistake in planting they'll often not ever truly recover.  All three of ours were planted using the same amount of care, or lack of it, so I think sun must be the deciding factor.  The question now is do I cut back trees that make the yard so cool and shady in the summer so that the bouganvillas will blossom?  Here in Escondido finding that right balance is always a work in progress.  I guess I have some time to figure it out.  See you tomorrow.