Being Thankful, Attempting Hopeful

So, it's that time of year to reflect on what we are thankful for. I'm thankful for a lot - dear, thoughtful, friends, family, health, love.

I am thankful to have had two lovely swims on warm days this November, the last swim taking place on November 14.

I am thankful to have seen a beautiful American flag only in shades of blue. I was riding my bike, and it was raining, so I was not able to stop and take a photograph.

I am thankful to have ridden by bike from Framingham, MA to Worcester, MA, and, on another occasion, from Framingham, MA to Littleton, MA. I am thankful to have discovered downtown Westborough on one of those rides.

I am thankful for the fresh snow we had the other day.

I am glad I have taken the opportunity to read Barkskins, by Annie Proulx, Nutshell, by Ian McEwan, and Razor Girl, by Carl Hiaasen.

I am thankful for poetry and music, and for the communities I have participated in.

It's been a hard time for a lot of us this month. The cold is setting in. I might have stopped swimming outdoors for a while. Or not. I am still hopeful. Hopeful for sunny days. For the warmth we feel inside, both literal and figurative. I want to have hope we are not becoming a country that denies basic human and civil rights, and that we are not moving backward when it comes to supporting alternative and renewable energy.  For now, I hope.

And with that, I am hoping you enjoy my latest batch of photos. There were some great ones I missed, though. Like the "smart car" I saw last night. Filled like a cocoon, so you could not see out (or in) the rear or side windows, while a woman drove it around.

Ghost Bike, Porter Square

When someone dies in a bike accident, the ghost bikes appear. This bike is for Joe Lavins, who died riding through Porter Square. I drove through this intersection. It's particularly lethal, since the bike path disappears right at that corner. 

Crazy Lights

First Snow to Stick

We had a lovely snow when rain was forecast. First light, first snow.

Hopkinton, Last Light

I went to Hopkinton State Park and rode my bike around. I saw the swimming area is practically a puddle due to the drought, or possibly they drained it past the dam. Here are some photos.

Ride through Westborough and Grafton to Worcester (Holy Cross)

Experimental Lighting

Pumpkins, Halloween, experimental lighting.

Walden Pond, First Swim in November 

Last Fall Holdout, Framingham, MA Nov 18

Dennis Brennan Band CD Release

Dennis, Duke Levine, Kevin Barry, Richard Gates, Billy Beard. Chris Cote in the interval.

Art Opening, Factory Gallery Mark

There is a gallery in the CommCreative Marketing Agency in Framingham. Here are some photos as well as photos outside the gallery at night.

Backyard Concerts in Brighton: Ann Marie and Band and Aaron Shadwell

Some Poets

gathered for Kim Garcia's book(s) launch.