I'm anticipating the glorious "peak" of the autumn foliage. It's been rather slow in arriving. The trees are definitely turning colors but some are still obstinately green.
The weather is vintage October: cool days and very chilly nights. Yesterday (Wednesday) was so beautiful that I couldn't contain my enthusiasm.
Despite the fact that I'm still having enormous trouble with my hip and knee, I grabbed my El Cheapo camera and went for a brief walk in the woods.
I always stay on my own property - - the woods are only a few yards from the house. Unfortunately it was muddy and very slippery from recent rain. My feet got tangled in some crawling vines (?? or whatever) and I fell - - twisting the hell out of my already injured knee.
But at least I got a few decent photos out of the excursion. The beauty of October always reminds me why I like living here - - despite all of the inconveniences and problems.
I definitely plan to take more photos before the end of the month. And I have more Halloween-oriented posts lined up (if anyone cares).
October is passing much too quickly.
A glimpse of the front porch
In the forest
(my digital camera is really getting old and the quality of the pictures aren't as good as they used to be)
Morning sun behind the tree
Some of these trees are incredibly tall - the height isn't really discernible on the photos
Dear Jon, altho Norma did not attend, your delightful skeleton photo is very close to the pics she's been receiving from her 50th high school reunion. Unless they're wearing a name-tag, they all look alike. Seriously, we both love the photos of your yard and wilderness. Be careful with your knee! I insist.
ReplyDeleteYour comment made me laugh, Geo - which means it was successful. I keep trying to tell myself that I'm not very old, but all of my relatives and long-time friends are starting to look like that skeleton.
DeleteAutumn loveliness definitely covers the woods and forests. Thank goodness you have a camera so that we can all share the wonders of nature. How is the knee today?
ReplyDeleteAutumn is the time of year that always inspires me to run outside and take photos. I'm especially enthusiastic now that I live in the midst of nature.
DeleteMy knee hurts but at least I can walk.
Olden camera or not … these are fantastic images, Jon! My favorites are #1 (absolutely lends a perspective to your words), #2 and #5.
ReplyDeleteI think Mother Nature is finally loosening her death grip on our summer temps … knock wood.
PS - I know next to nothing about this …. but wonder with the uneven/slippery surfaces you're forced to navigate if buying a pair of golf/football shoes with cleats on the bottom would help?
I wish these delightful October temperatures would linger year-round. It's around 60 during the day and in the 30s at night.
DeleteMyra, I always wear my cowboy boots, which is a HUGE mistake because they have slippery soles with no traction. I'll have to buy something with a safe/non-slip sole. I've fallen here more times than I care to remember.
Those ARE tall trees! We are at the peak of color this week and next. I love the warm reds and oranges. Most of the trees in the woods behind us turn yellow. We have had a beautiful two weeks in the mid to upper 60's. I hope it stays nice for Halloween so we aren't stuck with the candy.
ReplyDeleteAfter being raised in seasonless Southern California, it's a pleasure to live where there's a change of seasons. I always seem to be taking pictures.
DeleteHere in the wilderness, I never have to worry about trick or treaters - - but I always buy some Halloween candy for myself.
Your autumn post are among my favorite. I love the foliage and the crisp morning. Our color is only just starting a tad, were still 70 and 60's in the day. Prefect weather you ask me. Loves Mr.skleton. I love Halloween.
ReplyDeleteOctober is always a perfect month - - I wouldn't mind if it lingered all year. And I never get tired of Halloween - - I attribute it to my Hungarian Vampire blood.....
DeleteI really envy you. I miss seeing the changing of the seasons. Your photos are spectacular! Thank you for taking them and sharing them with all of us. I'm sorry you hurt yourself in the process of taking them. Maybe it won't be so slippery next time.
ReplyDeleteI was raised in California and also lived in West Texas, where seasons are just about non-existent. It's really a joy to now live where I can savor the seasons.
DeleteMy property here in TN is VERY hilly and slippery and I've fallen more times than I care to admit. The woods are always especially perilous with wet moss and slick mud. It's seldom completely dry.
Hi Jon - Your camera still takes very good pictures. The colors are vivid and truly capture the beauty of autumn in your woods. October is passing far too quickly. I wish it lasted for half the year.
ReplyDeleteI've missed many of your posts again due to technical difficulties. Bummer for sure. You've written such good ones. Enjoy what's left of October. Take care !
Hi, Helga - my camera is an old Kodak Easy Share, which must be at least 15 years old (probably more), but I like it. This is a great time of year to take pictures.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear that you're having technical difficulties again. That's really frustrating. Strangely enough, my computer works well here in the wilderness - - but I can no longer get a signal on a cell phone. I tried two new phones and neither of them worked. Thank goodness I have a landline phone.
It still tickles me that you have so many Halloween decorations. That skeleton reminds of of a cartoon I saw of a skeleton sitting on a front porch swing. The caption: still waiting for the perfect woman.
ReplyDeleteThe weather has turned glorious here, too, and there are patches of vivid color here and there. It's a little cool in the early mornings, but it's still getting into the seventies before lunchtime. I wouldn't mind if the weather stayed like this all year 'round.
I thought my passion for Halloween would diminish as I got older, but it never did. I got that skeleton years ago in the Dollar Store and he's been sitting in my closet (I have many skeletons in my closet....*smile*). I figured I'd drag him out and pose him with the pumpkin.
DeleteThe October weather has indeed been great!
My positive thoughts are always with you - - take care!
I think the photos turned out beautifully! Sorry you got tripped up, though. I do love the fall trees and it is gorgeous there! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a perfect time of year to take pictures - especially out here in the boonies. Ironically, I brought along a walking stick when I went for my hike in the woods - but still managed to fall and twist my knee!
DeleteYou're fortunate to be able to sit in a chair with Annie and watch all the critters that come to your door!
I left some bread out for the birds today - but none of them showed up. Strangely enough, the bread is always gone by morning.
Jon, being a Halloween lover, I LOVE these photographs! I especially love the first one of the skeleton with the pumpkin. OMG, it's so damn cute!!!!
ReplyDelete"Yesterday (Wednesday) was so beautiful that I couldn't contain my enthusiasm."
That's exactly how I feel too! For the past two weeks, I've been spending my days off just walking through the our parks, enjoying the cooler air and fallen leaves. I love walking through them; hearing them crunch under my feet. I also love the way the earth smells this time of year. This time of year makes me so HAPPY!!
I agree, October is passing much too quickly. I love October, but I'm also looking forward to November as well because it seems to bring out more color in our trees.
Beautiful photographs! What a stunning area you live!
Enjoy the remainder of October, my friend!
I like the skeleton photo, too, Ron. I had a hard time propping him up by the pumpkin (he had a mind of his own and kept falling) but finally succeeded.
DeleteAutumn always brings out the best in me. It's a glorious, exciting, inspiring time of year. I never walk in the woods during the summer (too many bugs and critters) but I love going in autumn - and winter.
As you said - - the leaves crunching underfoot and the delicious smell of fall in the air.
-I do live in a lovely area. I never get tired of looking at the trees and savoring nature.
Unfortunately it's hunting season and sometimes the gunshots are a little too close for comfort....
Enjoy the upcoming weekend, Ron!
thank you for the kind words left on my blog. they meant alot. i love autumn too. sorry to hear about your knee. i understand that kind of pain. love all your photos of the trees, particularly the one looking straight up the trunk to the sky. wonderful color leaves.
ReplyDeleteThe photo that you mentioned is one of my favorites. The foliage is really looking beautiful now. It's raining hard today (Friday) but on the next sunny day I plan to take more photos.
ReplyDeleteThe problems that you mentioned on your blog seem completely overwhelming - especially since they've been happening one after another. I truly hope your burdens will lessen so you can have well-deserved peace.
My own problems (largely health issues) have made me angry and bitter - and I selfishly thought I was the only one. It makes me humble to know all the horrible things you are enduring. Take care and keep in touch.