A slightly poisonous toadstool, with some halucinogenic qualities, just growing along the pathway.  I've been digging up baby spruce trees where these mushrooms grow and transplanting them to the pathway behind our house.  There used to be five columnar poplars growing there but they were cut down by the county because the trees were dying.  And now, five years later, still no replacement trees, so I though I would take matters into my own hands.  The spruce are very tiny, maybe three inches tall, but they'll get bigger, eventually.  I also picked some rosehips from the wild roses and planted those as well.  While I'm at it, I think I'll try planting some dogwood berries there as well.  

A few years ago I tried growing oak trees from the acorns, with limited success, but I did give some of those trees away to a colleague who lives on an acreage, and those trees are still alive.  As I've been walking on the paths, and through the woods, behind our house, I've noticed probably half a dozen oak trees trying to grow.  One was doing very well, and was probably four feet tall.  The others look only a year old and I'm sure were a result of a forgetful squirrel.  I hope they survive the winter.

We went to court this morning and asked the judge to restrict Gracie's visits to only supervised visits, once a week.  The application was granted and Gracie's sister will once again supervise visits between Gracie and Jack.  Gracie didn't object.  We don't have to go back until April, unless things change.  So good news but both hubby and I are exhausted, mentally.  

Last night Jack had a giant melt down, complete with screaming, crying, punching, and trying to break the glass door of the office.  We both stayed calm for Jack.  I think he needed to discharge his anger at life, and at his mom.  He was fine last night afterwards and slept well last night.  We did talk about how dangerous punching or banging a glass door is and what could happen if the glass broke.  He seemed to listen and understand.  All the anger seems drained out of him though, thankfully.

Life continues on, the days are shorter, the nights are longer and cooler.  The leaves have started to change colour and summer is ending.  Jack starts school on Thursday, and he's excited about that.  I'm planting trees and I'm excited about that.

I couldn't figure out who this photo belonged to but it definitely makes a point.  I'll try to start answering comments again, but I lack energy right now.  Sorry.