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Living on the bayou is a gift I don’t always remember to appreciate, but on Saturday, I announced to my husband, “It’s a gorgeous day. We have to go canoeing.”
For the first Saturday this month we had little to do. I sat outside on my deck, clean and inviting from the wedding we had a few short weeks ago, and watched my neighbors prepare for their daughter’s wedding reception. Tents and lights and tables and chairs were going up, and all I needed to do was watch. The lack of responsibility felt freeing.
Peeking through the grandmother oak to the wedding prep next door.
Jeff quickly grabbed the paddles, life jackets, and a lunchbox of two beers, and launched the canoe. This canoe has a long history, close to 50 years. The Grumman. He and his brother bought it together when they were Boy Scouts competing in canoe races.
Jeff paddles the stern, the steering part.
The bayou was slow and still, offering endless reflections. The air was a perfect 70+ degrees. I know that happiness is fleeting, but on this day in October, we grabbed hold of it, and spent some time savoring and celebrating the goodness.
Cypress tree reflection
Reflections on the Teche 
Delicious! This is what October is for. So glad you had some time like this.
Stunning photos, enchanting place! I love cypress trees – images of the South. I so enjoyed your post.
Canoeing outside your back door?!?! Amazing! I marvel at the beauty of your home. Thank you for sharing!
That bayou is amazing. To have it right there as a part of you personal landscape creates quite a life ( ups and downs!). I feel so privileged to have seen it. A very special place.
It seems like you can see the world float on by right outside your door (and I am not thinking of the floods). How inspirational your day was, Margaret. Life on the bayou seems to be relaxing.
My daughter and son-in-law have our canoes now, but you’ve brought back many happy memories, Margaret. How beautiful it does look, so happy you took the ride on that glorious day.
Lovely! How wonderful to have the water so close and a canoe at hand!
My husband and I are stealing this afternoon to hike before the snow flurries and freezing weather set in later this week….
The juxtaposition of the neighbors wedding and you stealing off to canoe is a lovely image! Your post feels so freeing and peaceful!
Love the history of the canoe! And that you captured this fall afternoon to be slow and still, to savor and celebrate. Beautiful pics as always.