Hibiscus

I bought a hibiscus tree early this summer, thinking I'd create some kind of backyard oasis. I never got that far, but it does bloom very prettily, even if it does sit kinda slanted in its pot. Last week I brought it inside to see if I can make it last the winter. So far, so good - it still has blooms and hasn't wilted over in depression.

This means I now have 10 -- TEN -- plants inside that are not dead. 

We spent the weekend camping with my parents at Shades State Park. It was pretty much perfect weather for camping, warm enough for short sleeves and the trees beautiful shades of red and gold and orange. I have an image in my head of hundreds of yellow leaves floating down through one of the ravines we hiked, looking like fall's answer to the magic of winter's first snow. We took the dogs with us, and Clyde led the way like he was a practiced trail dog, instead of a dog who spends 90% of his day sleeping. My mom's 8 month old puppy was a bit more reckless, leaping onto rocks and sliding over edges without checking to see what she was getting herself into.

We got home early enough today that we were able to clean up around the house, do some laundry, and hit the old Steak n' Shake for dinner. Tomorrow Michael heads back to Cincinnati, and I try out the other part of this whole deal we've set up for ourselves, where I stay behind in Indy. I'm happy to be home again, and Clyde's happy to have his yard and his chair, but I know my heart will hurt when Michael leaves in the morning. You can't win.