Autumn is starting to take grasp, as I start to get a grasp on life. 
With all around us slowing and becoming dormant, I'm beginning to come alive once again and starting to bloom. It's been a month, now, since I received my new leg; a new lease on life. It's been a busy time and I can't believe how fast it's gone...how fast I've gone.
I've gone from having limited abilities as to what I could do...to doing as much as I can and a lot more than before. I'm on the go even more than before and just can't seem to stop...and I want to do even more. I didn't let things stand in my way in the past, but I'm running them down now; looking for obstacles I can face and leap over.
I have things to see I missed out on before; places to go I was unable to get to in the past.
Before the remnants of summer disappear, I'm out there drinking it all in before they fade away. I'm constantly looking for excuses to get out of the house and get going. I'm all over my neighborhood; up and down the strip; learning every bit of it even better than I knew before. 
I set out with camera in hand and birdseed in my pocket. Sometimes, I simply walk up and down 'Restaurant Row'; my eyes darting everywhere. 
I have several sidewalk cafes to stop at for coffee and watch the people go by; to sit and scatter food for my feathered friends who swoop in to visit, looking for a handout. I drink in as many of the little things in life I can possibly find. I've been given another chance and I'm not about to let it escape without taking full advantage of the gift I've received.
I'm alone again for awhile, but I'm not about to sit home and wonder what I'm missing. I'm out there being a part of it all. During the past week and a half, my best friend, Scott, was home from where his job had sent him across the state. My spirits had already been soaring from getting my prosthetic leg and being able to stand and walk again. They were lifted to an all new level getting to spend some time with him.
I beamed with pride every time I got to show him what I was capable of doing. How do you like me now? It was all new to him, too. He'd keep forgetting and would mention, 'If only you could do this or that.' Ummm, Scott? Look at me. What are we doing? I'm walking down the street with you. I can do anything, buddy! Now, let's go do it...do it all. I'm raring to go! I hope you can keep up with me.
During the time he was home, we were in constant contact. It was just like old times. We talk on the telephone a couple times a day...and chat on the computer; sometimes, simultaneously...just like we used to do. He'd wake up in the morning and we'd yack while he was having his breakfast, as he knew I'd already be wide awake. He'd be preparing dinner or waiting for food to be delivered...and we'd talk some more. It felt so good having him back in the city; just blocks away; so we could hang out together face to face. We got together quite a few times while he was home; even if it was just to take a walk and stop for coffee; to sit with one another and share some time with each other.
He'd bring along Dakota, his little 'Pooper Dog', for me to play with and attract strangers into our space. A puppy is such a people magnet; drawing in everyone who have to pause for at least a few seconds to pet him and chit chat a bit.
Over the weekend, Scott had to return to Albany to work, but only for a week and then he'll be back permanently. He's looking forward to that...and I'm anticipating it even more. He'll be back for good and none too soon.
After all, Halloween is on the way and that's his favorite holiday, just as it is for most gay guys. He's got a party to get ready for that his boyfriend's family is hosting and needs to get a costume in order; not only for himself, but for the 'Pooper Dog', too. 
I suggested, since Dakota is part daschund, he 'dress' the puppy as a hot dog and he and his guy dress in red and yellow shirts and go as ketchup and mustard. Scott is also thinking about throwing a Halloween party at his place, too. I just might haul out one of my tuxedos, roll up the right pantleg to expose my prosthetic and go as The Bionic Man. 
My progress continues as I get back to having a somewhat normal life once again. Every day, every step, gets just a little easier. I'm moving about even better than I was; up and down my stairs I go; arms loaded with groceries, baskets of laundry, trash to take out to the dumpster. There really is nothing I can't do now. I'm out on my balcony at least half a dozen times a day standing and taking in the scenery as the leaves change color and fall. I'm ramming up and down the cafe strip looking at the foliage as the beauty of nature takes hold.
To look at me today, who would have thought just one short month ago, I was hobbling around on crutches with only one leg? I've met yet another challenge head on and overcome the odds.
After two sessions of therapy, which weren't even needed, as I learned all they were going to teach me...and more...on my own; I decided to stop going altogether. No sense wasting my time, or theirs, when they could use my session to help someone who really needed it. I know what I'm capable of doing...everything...and what I'm not able to do...nothing. You can't even tell I have an artificial leg. 
There's no tell tale signs and, for the most part, not even a limp. I start out the day by popping on my leg while my morning coffee brews...and that's where it stays until it's time for bed. I can jump right up and run to the john, grab something to drink, answer the door when a package is delivered or go out for a walk whenever I feel like it...without delay. 
The air is becoming crisp...the temperatures are starting to drop. There's even been a touch of frost on the pumpkins here.
It won't be long before the snow starts flying. We've been know to get hit by blizzards with a couple feet of accumulation; not inches; already at this point in the season. Mother Nature is gearing up to go into hibernation as Father Winter starts sneaking in to take hold. I say, bring it on.
I'm prepared and invigorated; ready to tackle anything that's thrown at me. The holidays will soon be happening and I'm ready to par-tay! 
Not only am I set for the season, this year, I'll be celebrating life...and what a life it is! (I'm also set for all of those Christmas cookies, too!!! *Hint...Hint*)
With all around us slowing and becoming dormant, I'm beginning to come alive once again and starting to bloom. It's been a month, now, since I received my new leg; a new lease on life. It's been a busy time and I can't believe how fast it's gone...how fast I've gone. I've gone from having limited abilities as to what I could do...to doing as much as I can and a lot more than before. I'm on the go even more than before and just can't seem to stop...and I want to do even more. I didn't let things stand in my way in the past, but I'm running them down now; looking for obstacles I can face and leap over. I have things to see I missed out on before; places to go I was unable to get to in the past.
Before the remnants of summer disappear, I'm out there drinking it all in before they fade away. I'm constantly looking for excuses to get out of the house and get going. I'm all over my neighborhood; up and down the strip; learning every bit of it even better than I knew before. I set out with camera in hand and birdseed in my pocket. Sometimes, I simply walk up and down 'Restaurant Row'; my eyes darting everywhere. I have several sidewalk cafes to stop at for coffee and watch the people go by; to sit and scatter food for my feathered friends who swoop in to visit, looking for a handout. I drink in as many of the little things in life I can possibly find. I've been given another chance and I'm not about to let it escape without taking full advantage of the gift I've received. I'm alone again for awhile, but I'm not about to sit home and wonder what I'm missing. I'm out there being a part of it all. During the past week and a half, my best friend, Scott, was home from where his job had sent him across the state. My spirits had already been soaring from getting my prosthetic leg and being able to stand and walk again. They were lifted to an all new level getting to spend some time with him.
I beamed with pride every time I got to show him what I was capable of doing. How do you like me now? It was all new to him, too. He'd keep forgetting and would mention, 'If only you could do this or that.' Ummm, Scott? Look at me. What are we doing? I'm walking down the street with you. I can do anything, buddy! Now, let's go do it...do it all. I'm raring to go! I hope you can keep up with me.During the time he was home, we were in constant contact. It was just like old times. We talk on the telephone a couple times a day...and chat on the computer; sometimes, simultaneously...just like we used to do. He'd wake up in the morning and we'd yack while he was having his breakfast, as he knew I'd already be wide awake. He'd be preparing dinner or waiting for food to be delivered...and we'd talk some more. It felt so good having him back in the city; just blocks away; so we could hang out together face to face. We got together quite a few times while he was home; even if it was just to take a walk and stop for coffee; to sit with one another and share some time with each other.
He'd bring along Dakota, his little 'Pooper Dog', for me to play with and attract strangers into our space. A puppy is such a people magnet; drawing in everyone who have to pause for at least a few seconds to pet him and chit chat a bit. Over the weekend, Scott had to return to Albany to work, but only for a week and then he'll be back permanently. He's looking forward to that...and I'm anticipating it even more. He'll be back for good and none too soon.
After all, Halloween is on the way and that's his favorite holiday, just as it is for most gay guys. He's got a party to get ready for that his boyfriend's family is hosting and needs to get a costume in order; not only for himself, but for the 'Pooper Dog', too. I suggested, since Dakota is part daschund, he 'dress' the puppy as a hot dog and he and his guy dress in red and yellow shirts and go as ketchup and mustard. Scott is also thinking about throwing a Halloween party at his place, too. I just might haul out one of my tuxedos, roll up the right pantleg to expose my prosthetic and go as The Bionic Man. My progress continues as I get back to having a somewhat normal life once again. Every day, every step, gets just a little easier. I'm moving about even better than I was; up and down my stairs I go; arms loaded with groceries, baskets of laundry, trash to take out to the dumpster. There really is nothing I can't do now. I'm out on my balcony at least half a dozen times a day standing and taking in the scenery as the leaves change color and fall. I'm ramming up and down the cafe strip looking at the foliage as the beauty of nature takes hold.
To look at me today, who would have thought just one short month ago, I was hobbling around on crutches with only one leg? I've met yet another challenge head on and overcome the odds.
After two sessions of therapy, which weren't even needed, as I learned all they were going to teach me...and more...on my own; I decided to stop going altogether. No sense wasting my time, or theirs, when they could use my session to help someone who really needed it. I know what I'm capable of doing...everything...and what I'm not able to do...nothing. You can't even tell I have an artificial leg. There's no tell tale signs and, for the most part, not even a limp. I start out the day by popping on my leg while my morning coffee brews...and that's where it stays until it's time for bed. I can jump right up and run to the john, grab something to drink, answer the door when a package is delivered or go out for a walk whenever I feel like it...without delay. The air is becoming crisp...the temperatures are starting to drop. There's even been a touch of frost on the pumpkins here.
It won't be long before the snow starts flying. We've been know to get hit by blizzards with a couple feet of accumulation; not inches; already at this point in the season. Mother Nature is gearing up to go into hibernation as Father Winter starts sneaking in to take hold. I say, bring it on. I'm prepared and invigorated; ready to tackle anything that's thrown at me. The holidays will soon be happening and I'm ready to par-tay! Not only am I set for the season, this year, I'll be celebrating life...and what a life it is! (I'm also set for all of those Christmas cookies, too!!! *Hint...Hint*)
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Comments: 67
p.s glad to see your spirits are high and your out and about with that new leg of yours!!
My kids are always inviting strangers into our space too. Mostly little old ladies at the Walmart that stop to tell my kids hello. (they are four and two)
Also--those caramel apples are sounding really good right about now. I wish I had one. I'd eat it for breakfast.
I'm so glad to hear that you are doing so well with...everything! Keep it up & nothing will stop you~
Great photos. I do love the fall leaves. I'm not looking forward to it getting really cold, though.
Hot Dawg - mustard and ketchus sounds hilarious. I just picked up a couple more decorations yesterday and I'll add some flowers, before I post one more halloween shot of my yard.
It's fun and we'll be having a party here - a mix of football and halloween - garden get-together with our friends.
You've got a great attitude and I'm glad you feel like celebrating life. As hard as it can be, the alternative is somewhat less appealing.
I'm not too far from you- I'm in Webster.
Old man winter will be here soon enough so enjoy your little piece of Heaven as long as you can. It looks like a charming little community.
Sincerely,
The OLD HAG!!
Oh, I mean Me (lol) You'd better be nice to me. I know what you want and I have a VERY special link to him. *wink, wink*
This was a great post and I loved your photos. You are truely blessed. You are a good person. I am honored to know you.