Winter Water

The high country is trying to hold on to its last bit of warmth for the year. Ice is forming at the sides of the river, but the flow is still strong with the melting of last week's snow. Nature's attempt to turn toward winter was rebuffed for a time. While most everything looks ready for the winter slumber, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a harebell, still blooming when the calendar is about to turn to the month of November.

Canyon

Every time that I hike or run this trail, I am always stunned by its beauty. Winter with the quiet snow, spring with the raucous creek, summer with the abundance of wildflowers, and fall with the spectacular cottonwoods lining the creek. The chinooks are often roaring through the area, but you can find protected spots to stop and enjoy the sights.

Mountain Ash

There always comes a day in the fall when the leaves decide to drop off my ash tree, and it appears that the day has come. The tree has shed an incredible glow into the bedroom window each morning for the last week. I wake up and stay a little longer in bed, enjoying the light that only happens one week a year. Every little breeze makes my windchime sing, accompanied by the rustle of the newly fallen leaves. The ground is a crazy patchwork of still green vinca vines edged in white topped with beige, to golden, to brown leaves.

Warmth

During the day, I can close my eyes and fool myself into thinking that it is still summer. The sun feels warm, I can go barefoot at midday, and hang my laundry out to dry in the fresh air. But first thing in the morning, there is no doubt that the seasons have changed. The fireplace gives off a welcome glow that attracts us all.

Pumpkins

Fall colors are everywhere right now. The leaves range between yellow, orange, red to purple. The grasses are multi-colored - yellow on the outside with green stripes down the middle. But pumpkins are the happy face of fall. Will it make a perfect pie? Is it just right for carving the scary face? Have you ever seen a child without a smile on her face when she leaves the pumpkin patch?

Rocks

While the creek is flowing so slowly, some wonderful soul has been busy creating sculptures. Every relatively flat stretch of water is graced with several of these delicate displays, urging others to brave the cool water and create even more. I love the fleeting quality of these towers. Certainly they will not be able to withstand the spring runoff, but will they survive the snowstorms and ice in the coming months?

Farmer's Market

Saturdays in October can be some of the most perfect days of the year. If the frosts have not yet leveled the plants, flowers are still blooming in the garden, and the farmer's market has abundant offerings. Mounds of carrots and beets threatened to topple the tables. A hot cup of coffee, a poppy seed roll, and a stroll through the stalls is my favorite way to spend a Saturday. Today, however, brought a special visual treat. Outrageous, ostentatious - a multitude of mums.

Textures

The colors and textures of the season are in every landscape. The angle of the sun, the slightest breeze, the tapestry changes again. Dry grass stands tall until the first snow will drop it flat. Leaves await their release back to the earth.

Fall Colors and Sounds

October is the perfect month for running on my favorite trail. The sun feels gentle. There may be a breeze but nothing stronger. The fleeting nature of a good day can no longer be taken for granted. The trail was flanked with crimson sumac on the upper reaches that may hang around for another week. But the best part of today's run was listening to the red winged blackbird and the meadowlark. I anticipate their arrival as one of the first signs of spring, so it seemed fitting to be able to say goodbye to their warbling in the fall before the snow starts to blanket the ground.

Autumn Flowers

How do we manage to live in cities without any sign of nature nearby? Even sitting at the desk for a few hours with beautiful views out the window just isn't the same as smelling the fresh air and observing what is at hand. I went out this afternoon to walk by some gorgeous sunflower bushes. I had taken photos of these bushes two years ago, but the blossoms were fading. Right now, the bushes are loaded with blooms and tied up with twine to keep the branches from breaking. Hundreds of yellow suns, each one perfect.