After a month of intense canning, renovations, hosting visitors, and a couple trips to the emergency room I was more than ready for a some time to recuperate and relax. At this time of year my best chance at taking time off is taking time away, so on Tuesday we made our getaway up north. A long ten hour journey brought us back to my home town where the familiar sweet smell of autumn is like a welcoming embrace. The leaves are just starting to turn into shades of yellow, orange and red, most are still green but it will not be long until it is a kaleidoscope of fall colours around here. I really love fall up north and being surrounded by these familiar forests is quite healing.

As Pope Francis would say, I have been enjoying a “healthy sense of leisure” since my arrival. After so much business I almost feel guilty relaxing so much. It is good that I have no choice in the matter, I need to rest so that I get better. Right now we are staying with my husband’s parents, at their house on the lake. I am always amazed by how lovely it is here and have enjoyed discovering the latest additions they have made to their outdoors space. My children spend most of their time outside digging in the sand and riding their bikes in the enormously large brick driveway. Today I felt more energetic so I joined them on a short walk and brought my camera along. I am seeing shades of red everywhere, a bold colour, a colour of courage.