Maple Grove Hot Springs in the fall...again...

We met Scott and April 

for a quick little hot springs soak a few weeks ago.

Most of the twigs and a few friends made it there too. 

(Missed you, Hunter!)

The little trailer we rented worked great

for everyone except Joseph 

who is so tall the only place he could stand up straight 

was under the roof vent!

It was such a good time 

that I find my mind returning there over and over.

Mmmm...loved the red maple leaves covering the ground,

the warm water, 

great conversations 

and game playing into the early morning.

(The sun had set by the time we got in the hot pools 

so this great picture by @nataliegildersleeve 

was copied from the Maple Grove Hot Springs instragram page.)

Rascal loved the ride!

Mind blown!

Paul's been working long hours 

so by the time we get to walking the dog 

our 2 miles around the park it's so late. 

Thank heaven for warm coats 

as last night it was blowing in a winter storm! 

Thank heaven too for a dog that is very persistent 

about getting his evening walk - it's good for us all. 

Last year for Mother's Day, 

the twigs gave me a subscription to Audible. 

Best gift ever!!! 

(Well, maybe tied for the train 

that runs under the Christmas Tree anniversary gift from Paul, 

AND Rachelle and Debbie's fudge haha.) 

So as we walk the dog around the park we listen to books. 

Last night it was "The Man on the Mountaintop". 

A quirky, funny, interesting little book 

about a holy man who lives in a Hermitage on a mountaintop 

whom people line up to see 

after hiking 10 miles from the village. 

The holy man's name is Joe 

and he freely admits 

that if he lived a normal life among others 

he wouldn't be so holy - hah!

Anyway, last night Joe says in the book, 

"Pain is inevitable. 

Suffering is optional."

Mind blown!

So grateful for answers to prayers, 

even through an audiobook 

while walking the dog around the park 

in a winter squall. 

Hugs!