Last week, a bit under the weather, I decided on a change for the blog and web site. This new theme’s called SubtleFlux. The banner picture made me think of Tolkien – at first I guessed it might be a painting. But it’s from a photo, and you can see the whole thing here. The lovely body of water exists in Australia, so not too terribly far from New Zealand, where LOTR was filmed.

My favorite part of this new design for my little web house is its breadth. I can throw my text wide, toss in my own enigmatic or goofy pictures, and add movies or whatever else comes along next in this sphere that’s always morphing and growing faster than my hardware can keep up with. So, hmm, I’d like to try a few now. Do you mind terribly if a spider shows up a little later?

Cecily, from that land of lovely lakes down under, blogged this week about (large) spiders wandering into her home. Our biggest beauty hung around outdoors until just a few chilly days ago, trapping her flies and only startling me the day I did windows. I like spiders… when they keep to their own digs. But feel free to leave before scrolling down the page much further into eight-legged territory.

Before the latest storm took off final leaves, we enjoyed this rainbow view one afternoon. Our front maple’s friendly branches have now returned to greet me with their familiar geometry.

Then, inside the home, we watch our faltering doggy, Brindy, as she winds down, sleeping most of her days away. Our larger-than-Brindy cat, Westley, seems to sense a need for closeness to his buddy. I’ve never before seen him sleep next to the waste basket, but I consider him keeping a vigil of sorts.

And here is our promised spider lady.

Tomorrow, the American holiday for thanks will give us warmth and full tummies. We’ll think of friends, family, and critters we’ve loved, now gone. I’ll be grateful for my mom and for health and for treasures that don’t need to be stored digitally. They’re tucked away securely in my heart.