The moon at night as been absolutely gorgeous. It lights up the yard around our house, making it feel like early morn or dusk, rather than the middle of the night.

The trees cast shadows upon the ground, and up the side of the house, like long reaching arms - a perfect illusion as we head into October and towards Halloween.

I was up in the middle of the night (3am-ish) and, as always, I looked outside for the northern lights. I was surprised to see the front yard lit up so brightly. I did what would be expected of me: I grabbed my camera and tripod, slipped on Steve's oversized loafers (they were by the front door), tightened my bathrobe around me, and went out into my front yard to take some photos.

My biggest mistake was allowing Sedona to come out with me. Usually she stays fairly close to me, but this time she made her way off into the woods. Of course I couldn't yell for her at that time of the morning, because I knew my neighbors wouldn't appreciate it. And I don't know how to whistle (I really have to learn!), so I guess she felt it was as good a time as any to take off exploring. She has really started pushing the limits with me lately, but I know that will stop when the snow comes and the temperature plummets. When that happens, she'll barely stay out long enough to take care of business before high-tailing it back into the house where it's warm!

When I was through taking photos, I walked the wood line (thank goodness I was under the cover of night in my snazzy get-up), calling for her and making threats as to her punishment when she finally came home - as if she could understand anything I was saying.

And then I heard dogs barking down at the end of our street - a good 100 yards away. There are three dogs who live down there, and they are outdoor dogs. When we go for walks with Sedona, and pass that corner, they jump up on top of their dog houses, defending their territory and warning her not to come closer. She pulls at her leash, and her hair stands up as we make our way by. I knew they had to be barking at her, and I imagined Sedona was doing the human equivalent of saying "Nah, Nah, Na NAH Nah!"

I had no plans of walking a block in my bathrobe and what looked like clown shoes, so I stood in the yard, with my fingers in my mouth, trying desperately to get a whistle out. What seemed like an eternity later, Sedona wandered up the driveway as if she had been out for an afternoon stroll. By the way her tail was tucked, she knew she was in big trouble. That's the last time I take her out for company, while I'm enjoying the night sky!

If you've been reading me for a while, you know that one of my dearest friends in the world is my friend Rachael. As you know, Rachael and her husband were sent to El Paso, courtesy of Uncle Sam, this past March. What you don't know is that Rachael had been dealing with medical issues for more than a year. Military doctors here subjected her to many tests, and prescribed several medications for her, in an effort to treat the many symptoms she had, but because we were so short-handed with doctors here (due to the deployment), nothing else was ever done for her.

So, as much as I hated to see Rachael move away, all we wished for was that she would finally see a doctor who would give her a diagnosis and enact a treatment that would get her on the road to recovery. She did see a wonderful doctor, and he made sure she finally had the MRI that they could never find time to give her up here. The MRI showed that Rachael had a tumor on her pituitary gland.

This past Thursday, she had surgery to remove the tumor. She was in ICU for a day for observation, but is now home and resting comfortably in her own home - and a NEW home at that! In the midst of all of her medical issues, she and James bought a brand new home and made settlement only days before her surgery. My thoughts and prayers have been with her constantly; I am so thankful that she came through the surgery well, and is on her way to healing.

I'm already planning for summer visitors! My lifelong friend Michele is coming to Alaska with her beautiful daughter Maddie. Maddie will be graduating from 8th grade, and Michele wanted to plan a mother/daughter getaway. They're not coming until June, but I know the time will fly by - which is good for me as we're getting ready to head into winter.

I've known Michele longer than any of my other friends. We grew up together on Tomlinson Road in Philadelphia (where Mom's house still is). We've known each other more than 40 years now, which is rather amazing because I can't believe that 40 years has gone by so quickly!

As it so happens, today is Michele's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHELE!!! I can't wait to see you and Maddie next summer!

I went to dance class on Friday - the first time dancing since I hurt my back several weeks ago. I really wish they'd get rid of those full length mirrors. It is not a pretty sight! The class has grown so much, that Souzana has split us into two classes. One class will continue to meet on Friday night and the other will now meet on Monday late afternoon. She asked for volunteers to switch to Monday, and I gladly did - as did my friend Carmen and a few other girls. Friday feels like 'weekend' to me, and generally I'm in a lazier mood. Monday will be a good jumpstart to my week.

The photo above was taken by me, using my tripod and a timer. I'm experimenting with natural light and the settings on my camera. It's a little bit out of focus, since I wasn't behind the lens focusing, but I kind of like the way the light coming in the window is so bright, and the way only half my face is lit up. I will be photographing a pregnant friend of mine in February or March, and I want to use natural light when I do it. I still have some practicing to do to get the shadowed side a bit more visible. I'm looking forward to the photo shoot, as I find pregnant women to be simply gorgeous!

Can you believe that tomorrow is the first day of October already?! September really flew by.