First they turn colour...
Then they begin to fall.
That's the stage we're at now!
They're so beautiful - and then they're gone.
All it takes is a strong wind to sweep them away!
I'm so thankful that I can watch this annual cycle of nature here where I live.
On our return trip home from Toronto last week, we took the back road - along Highway 7 - through Tweed.
We wondered if most of the leaves would be down...
In some places there weren't many fall colours...
A strong wind must have passed through, pulling the leaves off!
But by and large, the scenery was stunning!
Lots of trees and lakes...
It was a tranquil ride home.
The leaves were beautiful...
The day was sunny...
Sunlight gives fall leaves their translucent glow...
Like stained glass.
I find that going out for the express purpose of enjoying nature enhances my mood.
As Terry once noted, we are happier when we are travelling! It's as though we're escaping our daily concerns. Even a day trip becomes a mini-vacation.
Our last summer flowers are nearing their end. Only two remain (above)!
A few weeks ago, there were dozens!
In our temperate climate, we learn flexibility. Nothing outdoors stays the same for long.
A tinge of sadness... Gardening season is over... Winter can be so long!
But for now, we do have fall colours to cheer us up!
And I have one indoor plant that is blooming!
I need to find new (colourful) things to do indoors ... to cheer me up over the next six months!
The last few days of September were a rush - with the basement rebuild beginning.
Now suddenly we're in October!
Leaves beginning to change colour.
Even to silver?! What kind of tree is that?!
In many ways, October is my favourite month of the year! It's so, so beautiful!
Then comes a bleak winter break - and then the outdoor growing season begins again!
A few days ago, Terry and I drove over to the Quebec side of the Ottawa River and took a walk along the shore at Point Gatineau...
It was interesting to see the Ottawa skyline in the distance ... the "big city"! Point Gatineau always seems like a sea resort to me!
It's always relaxing to breathe in the fresh river air.
The lily pads have flourished on this calm side of the river...
They grow so easily and beautifully in nature. Much harder in the small backyard pond I built one year.
There are small marinas on both sides of the river... At one point a tour boat sailed past... (the "loaf of bread" shape on the right side of the photo above)
The weather was surprisingly warm in the heat of the day... (or were we simply overdressed?!) so we didn't walk for long.
I love coming here... to take in the river air and the view. Hopefully we'll be back before the snow falls, when temperatures aren't quite so hot.
This autumn pumpkin display has a little boy's influence all over it!
The truck...
The decision to bring one pumpkin indoors for the night... (He didn't say why!)
The little face he drew on the baby pumpkin...
Just like he cared for the potted herbs this past summer, he's now looking after the pumpkin display!
Every October I'm reminded that autumn is definitely my favorite season.
Those amazing colours all around us!
Or walk outdoors...
Without feeling exuberant JOY surrounded by these colourful leaves?!
I've forgotten how much fun autumn leaves can be for kids!
I was recently reminded!
Hide and seek... Where did he go?!
So much fun - for a few weeks of the year!
I love the colors of this season, especially as they change.
Sometimes strong and vibrant...
Sometimes pale and muted...
Part of our beautiful cycle of seasons.
