The autumn has been dry but yesterday and today the rain has been steadily falling. Weather forecasts tease there is a chance of fleeting snow flurries. Temperatures last night after midnight were mid-60s but they have been falling during the day on the way to the mid-20s tonight.

Rainy Day November View

Leaning out the second story window to photograph the meditation circle, I was hoping the bright red cardinals and various little gray and brown birds would venture back out from their hiding places where they had scattered when I raised the window.

None complied, so I snapped a couple of pictures, turned to the right and then it was my turn to be startled. Only a few feet away resting on the closest point of the fence was a huge hawk (guessing a Cooper’s Hawk). Too spooked to click the shutter, instead I pulled back inside. I was none too sure the hawk was not going to fly into the window. The bird of prey did not seem to appreciate that I had upset its stealthy plans and reluctantly moved on, but I realized at last why the cardinal and other birds had become stubbornly invisible and quiet.

The rain will end soon and tomorrow should be sunny, but cold. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Wherever you are, whatever your plans, enjoy a happy day of peace and gratitude.