The March of Seasons

I didn’t have my usual formula for getting my pictures today.  I actually spread my pictures out over a couple days and the change to me is obvious.  Is was cool and nice when I started and now it’s snowing.  I knew that the change was on the way…it’s been quite cool and rainy lately.  When there’s a lot of moisture in the air and it’s struggling to stay in the forties…I know what will soon follow.  I find leaves in the rain kind of sad somehowbut I also kind of like it…all I need is some blues playing softly in the background.  There’s a look to the prairie beyond our backyard gets when I know fall is about done…it’s really got that look right now.  The red leaves on the trees in our front yard are gone now so I’m focusing on the fallen gold from the formerly awesome trees in the backyard.  The mornings were frosty enough so the water drops were solid and that wasn’t the look I wanted to capture.  The deck is covered with leaves laying down for the last time this yearand the sky looks like it could either rain or snow.  Soon there won’t be a golden leaf left on the treesand the view will be filled with the white blanket called snowbut for now I have the last hurrah of fall to enjoy.  I’ve never seen such a glorious gold but now it’s tinged with rust.  The flaws of morning frosts are beginning to show now.  Suddenly the fringes of fall are looking winteringand the table that was set for fall now sees the table cloth of snow that we knew would come.  The railings that were hot to the touch all summer now have the bite of cold.  Now we march on with the season and only God knows where these steps lead.

Falling Down

I’ve been quite weary with politics lately, it seems it can be the most divisive thing in the whole world and with social media you can say what you want with little thought or consequence.  It’s times like that when I find comfort in a kinder  space that is my blog.  I was able to go out and enjoy the fall scenery again.  I wasn’t sure if it would happen since the wind has been horrendous for the last couple of days.  We have some beautiful trees right now but I thought they would be bald as can be by the time I got out there.  We have a storm drain that has seen virtually no action this year but the wind brought it some visitors.  The golden light of fall is one of the most wonderful things.  Morning is a delightful time to capture it.  My very favorite tree almost glows when it’s contrasted with the brilliant blue sky.  Gold leaves are the order of the day around here…it’s really quite breathtaking.  Our deck is elevated well above the ground and the amazing trees are right next to the railing.  Surprisingly the leaves have mostly been blown away rather than left in annoying piles on our yard.  The front of our house is guarded by trees with very different fall colors…such a drastic change from the greens of spring and summer!  This morning the grass was crisp as it can get from frost.  The differing temperatures rolled leaves that remained…looks like fall cigars to me.  I love how leaves from different trees can congregate together…seems like nature’s jigsaw puzzle.  Finally a backward glance before going back inside.  Life is beautiful…don’t let anything make it ugly for you.

Few and Far Between

I’m thinking I definitely should have gone out sooner when we had a little snow to take some pictures.  I was honestly bummed to see snow so early and opted out of it thinking another opportunity would arise instead the snow is gone, the gloom is back and it’s in the thirties which leaves me anything but excited to be outside to see everything droopy and brown.  I didn’t take long out there, I have to admit it.  I quickly took the cue that the ducks gave me and left.  What’s going on in our house then you ask?  I know this is the burning question in your mind!  Well, we’ve been making some cookies.  Gabby has been involved so the production line has been rather vigorous.  I have to say after one I felt that I’d had my sugar rush for the year.  I know this is short but I hope it was sweet…if not take another look…was it sweet enough now?

Leaving the Gloom

There have been some pretty big changes lately.  One large change has been in the weather which went from highs in the eighties to the forties…just like that.  I was just out a few days ago taking pictures of a surprising mushroom.  I say surprising because up to this point it’s been so hot and dry (six inches behind normal) that I could hardly believe a mushroom of this side would be flourishing.  I admit this thing may not be as large as the picture suggests but still considering all things it is was quite large.  Today I went out hoping I would see something that would cheer me up about the weather change…it was soggy but I love the view so much. Fall isn’t quite as colorful here as it is in some places but I really do have an appreciation for what we do get to enjoy .  I would have enjoyed the sound of silence and scenery more without the neighbor’s dog barking at me and Gabby.  On the bright side it made me move to different spots for some different views than usual.  Soon the irrigation ditch will be empty and there will be no leaves to be seenand white will be the dominating color and it will be much, much colder.  For now I have a lot of brown and yellow to see.  The tree line will be barren soon so for now I rejoice in what I’ve got.  The pond will be mostly water free and what remains will be frozen…so again I rejoice in today’s view.  I took a few more pictures as I turned back toward home.  I began to think of the value of what I’ve gotand once again I find that the gloom has to make way when I’m grateful to God for all He’s done in the here and now.