October is being swept away by impudent winds and the persistence of time.
Only a week ago rural Tennessee was shivering with unseasonably cold temperatures. Things warmed up this past weekend and October basked in the embrace of timid sunshine and golden autumnal glory.
This week wicked winds snaked in, rudely stripping leaves from trees and causing the forest to tremble. Last night a persistent rain baptized the countryside and the temperature dropped with a chilly embrace.
Today (is it Wednesday?) it's cloudy, dreary and only 40 degrees (Fahrenheit). October is waning. Ghosts of Halloween are whispering with the breezes that ripple through the half-naked trees.
I wanted to walk again in the woods and take a few more final pictures today, but I feel very tired and unmotivated.
So - instead of venturing out - I'll indulge in a cup of hot tea and share some photos that I took a few days ago.
By the way - yesterday I accidentally dropped my ancient El Cheapo digital camera on the kitchen floor and it shattered in various pieces.
I carefully (painstakingly) managed to reassemble it and - miracle!!! - it's still working! I couldn't believe it.
Here are some photos taken last Sunday (23rd)
By Monday (24th) the winds came, the weather changed, and the foliage was becoming less brilliant and more scarce.
The following pictures were taken in my front "yard".
And here is a glimpse of the back "yard"
I use the word "yard" tongue-in-cheek. It's a monster forest.
The dwindling days of October make me sad, nostalgic, introspective, yearning -, -
I want to grasp this month and hold onto it forever.
Cheers, Jon
Such beautiful photos! This time of year makes me sad and depressed.. there’s a couple of reasons why. But I won’t make this about me, I just want to say thank you for sharing your world with us.I read every post and enjoy every photo, although I rarely comment. I’ll work on doing better about that. Please take care of yourself. Signed- your Tennessee neighbor 🙂
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind thoughts - it's good to know that you're there, whether you comment or not. Autumn is my favorite time of year, and yet it always makes me depressed. It is far too short - - and I dread the thought of winter.
DeleteI don't "do" November through February very well. All I want to do is stay in the house and read.
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly the same way, Donna - - I'd like to hibernate from November until April.
DeleteBeautiful pics. Thanks for sharing. Thankfully you were able to reassemble your camera! I'm feeling melancholy this time of year (end of Oct.). We've had some absolutely gorgeous days around here. I've been in shorts all week.... except today was rainy and chilly and the jacket came back out. Winter is coming. Frost bite to the soul.
ReplyDeleteParanormal John
I like your sentiment that winter is frost bite to the soul. How absolutely true. I hate to see these last few days of October, because the month passed much too quickly. There were some beautiful mild days, but now it's chilly again with the threat of winter...
DeleteIt was nice to see your colorful jungle, Jon. There may not be much colorful foliage left on my favorite walking paths after the rains and winds here most of this week. October has gone by way too fast and it is hands down my favorite month and I hope November will be a good month. Glad you were able to reassemble the camera as you are truly a man of many talents and that is an honest comment. I too am glad you have continued blogging as others have commented.
ReplyDeleteOctober had beautiful foliage this year, but it has faded quickly from the wind and sudden frosts. I wish I could have taken more pictures. I was really astounded that I was able to get my camera to work after it smashed on the floor.
DeleteI hope that November will be a mild month. I'm not ready for winter....
Our forecast for the beginning of November looks fairly mild next week with temps in the 60s! Admittedly, I would prefer them to be a bit cooler. BTW, Jon, thanks so much for the Harney hot cinnamon tea recommendation. I bought a smaller amount online and have been enjoying it so much, I just ordered more -- about $12 for 50 tea bags (Amazon). It's wonderful with just some honey added.
DeleteEach year I think I can't possibly love Autumn more, but yes. It happens!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the "here one minute, gone the next" is such a testament to the importance of living in the present.
BTW, you did it again -- I'm infatuated with your first few paragraphs.
I'm always delighted when my "poetic" writing is appreciated (thanks!). Unfortunately, it doesn't resonate with everybody.....(*sigh*)
DeleteOctober passed so quickly that I hardly had any time to savor it. My eternal personal problems kept getting in the way. The importance of the moment is our salvation...
WOW! Your photos would actually make some really beautiful oil paintings I think.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you were able to save your El-Cheapo camera, too.
And YES I agree - I also want to grasp this month and HOLD ON TO IT FOREVER!!
Kim, I can't believe how quickly October passed by - - I was preoccupied with so many things that I hardly had time to savor my favorite month.
DeleteWhen I dropped my camera I was positive it would never work again. I was stunned when I got it working! It's an ancient Kodak Easy Share camera.
Beautiful fall pictures of your "back yard." Always enjoy your photos. October is also one of my favorite months. November even better. The fall colors just popped out last week here in southern Delaware. Always love this time of year!
DeleteMy only complaint is that autumn is too brief. The foliage colors here in TN usually peak around Halloween, but this year it was earlier. The colors (unfortunately) are beginning to fade.
DeleteThe wind is stripping the trees over here, too. You still have some beautiful color, though.
ReplyDeleteThis month has flown by. I always think I will have gotten more done. Alas, my body is the boss of me. I do my best. It was a gorgeous sunny day today. :)