Let’s add some pretty to this website, I say!  This picture was taken two years ago at the Japanese Gardens in Portland, OR when I visited my friends Anne & Todd and my cousin Melinda.  Living in So. Cal. we don’t see much in the way of leaves changing colors in the Fall…  so for those of you in the same boat, stare at this picture for awhile to get your fill.  And for those of you that have a real Autumn outside your door, go and enjoy it right this very minute!  And in either scenario, follow up the aforementioned leaf gazing by a cup of something warm – hot chocolate, tea, spiced cider – and feel the warmth (in all senses) flood your being.828792956503_0_ALB