Like all precious things, it was exasperatingly transient.....
The autumnal foliage around my house was disappointing this year. The color turned too late and vanished too quickly. Some of the leaves stayed green. Others wilted immediately and remained colorless.
Did the unseasonable heat of September have anything to do with it?
Or the annoying early frosts?
I have no idea.
Many of the photos I took this autumn are unremarkable. I and my camera ventured outside yesterday (Saturday) hoping to find something spectacular but it was too late. Only mundane remnants of color are left and recent wild winds ruthlessly stripped leaves from trees.
I took the following photos about a week ago. Fortunately I only had to wander a few feet from the house.
A view from the back porch -
the timid afternoon sun lingering behind these very tall trees
Another view from the back porch
Into the forest
A streak across the sky - -
A witch, perhaps?
Maybe a witch doing some sky writing:
Surrender, Jon!
(remember the witch in The Wizard of Oz?)
This is near one of my bedroom windows. I should probably cut it, but I like the way it looks.
And now November is here. The shedding trees and I wait in shivering anticipation of winter.
Loved this post and, of course, all the photographs. You are well ahead of me with autumn foliage. Everything here is still green, although there is a hint of yellow beginning to show on some trees.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that the foliage is so slow to turn colors in your neck of the woods. I hope November will bring you lots of autumnal beauty!
DeleteWell, they are still pretty pictures, despite the lack of vibrancy. I posted photos of a bike ride in our national park and the colors do look muted. I think it was the lack of rain for most of the summer that did it. I like the view from your bedroom window and I imagine that would be difficult to cut back.
ReplyDeleteThe autumn colors weren't particularly good anywhere this year, but I enjoyed what (little) we had.
DeleteI've gotten so used to seeing that large bending branch near my window that I'd be reluctant to cut it. And, as you said, it would indeed be difficult.
Jon, I know, can you believe that October is over?!?! We haven't had much an autumn foliage so far this year as well. I'm hoping that November will be more impressive. It's gotten colder the past couple of days, so that usually causes the trees to produce more color. I'm going to NYC tomorrow, hoping that I'll capture some colorful foliage in Central Park.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are lovely. Beautiful area you live!
"A witch, perhaps?
Maybe a witch doing some sky writing:
Surrender, Jon!"
HA! Hilarious! And yes, I do remember that from The Wizard of Oz. One of my favorite scenes!
Hope you're enjoying a fabulous weekend, my friend!
Ron, I hardly had a chance to really savor October - and it was suddenly over! I was disappointed that the foliage was late in turning colors this year, and that the color wasn't particularly good.
DeleteI hope you'll find some inspiring autumn scenes in Central Park. I've been there several times (long ago) but never in autumn.
I was hesitant to mention the "Surrender Jon" thing, because I figured some people might not be familiar with that Wizard of Oz scene. Glad you remembered it.
Have a great time in NYC!!
That is exactly what happened in Western Pennsylvania. For the past five years or so the Autumn color change has been far less than spectacular.
ReplyDeleteI was really looking forward to autumn so I could take some beautiful photos, but it was a big disappointment. Here in TN last year was much better. I'm wondering if our hot, rainless September ruined it.
DeleteNooo … never surrender! :) Those russet leaves are nothing to sneeze at, my friend! That tree limb in Photo #1 makes me imagine a prehistoric creature on the prowl for grubs. (Or whatever it is dinosaurs enjoyed.)
ReplyDeleteMyra - just between you and me - I couldn't begin to admit how many times I've wanted to surrender. And you're right - the foliage here is nothing to sneeze at. It wasn't particularly beautiful this year, but it still provided me with many moments of joy and serenity.
DeleteI would imagine dinosaurs did eat grubs....and anything else they could devour.
We had a dusting of snow that melted right away. Could be a cold winter. Your trees look gorgeous. :)
ReplyDeleteThe local weather forecast predicted scow flurries for Halloween night, but I didn't see any (only rain and wind).
DeleteI try not to turn the heat on until later in the year, but this week I was forced to comply. It's been in the 20s at night.
Pretty view on your back yard. Leaves are falling here and my yard is covered with them maybe one day this week I can get them cleaned out. Just think you live in a place where people around here pays big money to visit every year. Take care, Jean.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Texas all of my neighbor's leaves from their BIG trees would blow directly into my yard. I finally got tired of picking them up, so I just let them pile up.
DeleteI never thought about people paying big money to see the foliage here - but you're right! All I have to do is go outside to savor it.
Take care, Jean and enjoy autumn!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and thanks for the condolences for my Dad. I’ve been reading your blog but I get behind on my blogs and have to play catch up so I don’t comment much until I catch up.
ReplyDeleteThanks again and take care, Sheila
Sheila, I don't always leave comments when I read blogs - sometimes I just can't think of anything brilliant to say (*smile*). Anyway, thanks a lot for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteThose colors looked pretty good to me, Jon, especially now that recent windy storms have blown down a lot of our colorful leaves. I will be sharing a post about several October walks we took with some really great colors in a nearby park. Like you, I too am sorry that October has gone. I also remember the Surrender scene in the Wizard of Oz and now I am thinking of re-watching that film.
ReplyDeleteOctober seemed to pass much too quickly this year. I'm glad I was able to take some autumnal photos and I'll look forward to a post about your walks in the park.
DeleteI always enjoy seeing the Wizard of Oz. It contains an enormous amount of creativity.