Countryside in October...........

What a beautiful day for October. A beautiful day for any time of the year really. We took a drive out to a local farm market. Gallaghers. Since having Tristen with us we have enjoyed going there. He loves the animals but likes the activity more.

Driving by orchards still laden with fruit.


The signs of Autumn

My favourite tree

Some lovely farms

The Sunflowers are all done, but this kind was still happy and blooming

Lovely Oak leaves

The beach was beautiful, quiet and warm. Gentle waves washing up stones. Didn't have time to look for pretty ones so just took pictures for today


Maple leaves are dramatic


We met a cute little bug

The colours are not at the peak yet so I hope we don't loose a lot before they all drop. I would like another weekend out getting pictures.

Maple Leaves




Mother Nature dipped her paintbrush
In a paint pot yesterday
And fell in love with red and green
And gold and brown and grey

And she said ' I'll paint me something
For these colors are so nice'
And she picked out a maple tree
And it's leaves were her first choice

So the leaves are dying in beauty
Before us here today
And the autumn wind sings softly
As they bob and dip and sway

For she painted each leaf carefully
As it floated round and round
In a glorious swirl of color
They pay homage to the ground

Yes the lovely maids of Summer
With their green frocks bright and gay
Have changed their dancing costumes
For the last waltz of the day

In a lovely panorama
They grace the stage with ease
In honor of the mother
Whom they were born to please

And the wind it plays September's song
And kisses them with cold
And our hearts become enamored
Such beauty to behold

And when the dance is finished
To their earthly bed they'll go
And their loving mother, nature
Will cover them with snow.
Ruby D Dodd

More Falling leaves.............

It's been very windy, but sunny. Actually very nice for Fall.Well I should say for October. Many years we have seen snow by now. Outside of town had frost last night but we did not. My home is in town and Traverse City is on the Bay. Grand Traverse Bay that is............so it helps our weather somewhat. It can be calm here but as soon as one tops the crest of the hill going out of town you may find yourself in a blizzard. There is a snow belt that crosses just above the town.
Yesterday I sat outside for a time and took in the sunshine while I could. Its supposed to rain tonight.
Here are some of the pictures I took that day.





The Pansies were wet from the rain the day before



I had to get some more pictures of the beautiful leaves around my garden.







I had really hoped to get out an about and get some pictures but so far it's not been possible. So these are all around my garden





Just as pretty but as individuals rather than landscape shots.............maybe this weekend if it's not raining. This one is the seeds off of the Japanese Maple next door.





Some flowers are still blooming.Pansies do well this time of year.


The Nightshade berries



Some leaves are brilliant and some are pastels, some are still green. All together they make such a pretty picture


All for now, I do hope I can get out and show some beautiful places before the snow flys

Autumn Gold.....

Autumn days russet and gold
winters breath blowing cold
puffy clouds float in blue sky
leaves all colours pile up high
sunny days so crisp and cool
replace the heat beside the pool
walks in woodlands now become
a pleasure for most everyone
birds and beasts all do prepare
for what comes so soon to their
woodland homes and place of rest
the birds prepare a winters nest.
the bear prepares their winter homes
to sleep till Springtime once more comes
back again and life renews
and forests wear such different hews.
Life again is fresh and young
Springtimes here for everyone.
JKS Sept 2011







Mums in such a pretty colour



So many berries on the trees and shrubs this year, does that mean a hard winter is on the way?