It's not yet autumn, but cool mornings like today's remind me that it soon will be. 

As I finished my walk on this glorious morning, I had to pause to appreciate my newly landscaped yard. I had the plans drawn up over eight years ago, but landscaping is expensive, especially for someone living on a semi-retired budget. I don't know when -- or even if -- I would have done this work without the money my mother left me.  In a very real sense, this is Anne's garden. 

My mother loved my ongoing home renovations of the past 20 years. I think she appreciated that, like her, I'd found a way to turn the grief of divorce into something worthwhile. She was my biggest cheerleader as I transformed this house, room by room, into the home I envisioned.  These butterfly bushes have grown a lot since  they were planted in June. Their long, fragrant trusses attract bees and butterflies all day long. My mother adopted the butterfly as her totem years ago. I think of her every time I look out my window, especially when one comes adorned in her favorite color.