Thanksgiving and Snow

We've had about six inches of snow the last few days, but yesterday evening, a glorious golden light spread about it all, highlighting the bird seat that was overloaded with snow, rather than seed.

And the garden chairs...

Misty of course loves it all and begs to be let out into the white.
We so grateful at this time for all of our family and friends here in the US and those in the UK...
Another Arctic blast is promised next week.
Nicholas

Glorious Light

Fall colors are almost gone... but some beautiful golden leaves have hung on at the far side of the meadow.

And, then, this morning we were treated to a spectacular pink dawn with this gorgeous light across the hills lasting for ten minutes...

 Meanwhile, two crows perched on an old cherry tree, just waiting...

 Misty our fabulous Golden loves the garden to bits... literally digging every time she can, but sometimes she just sits as if butter wouldn't melt...

Nicholas

The passage of time

I spotted this beautiful seed head in the field behind our house this afternoon.

It was a remarkable sight, tucked away amongst the fading and browning Golden Rod.
A few seconds later, two white tailed deer bobbed away, their white tails flashing against the field of brown.
Yesterday evening, we had a spectacular sunset and the warmest of southern breezes. We were able to sit out on the patio and watch the sun go down in its majestic way.

Glorious!
Nicholas

Spectacular Fall

The reds this fall have been amazing. 
We walked by Dryden Lake on Sunday in glorious sunshine without a cloud in the sky. A cormorant stood motionless on a log for the best part of half an hour as we walked by.

And then we came across a collection of sugar maples, glowing like jewels.

Today, though it has rained all morning, and, I suspect, the colors will have gone soon.
Our garden is taking shape, with two fourteen foot river birches having been planted out front... as has a Red Bud Maple tree and a stand of Nine Bark trees and shrubs.
Hot warm air from the Gulf is everywhere.
Nicholas

First Frost

Well the first frost arrived last night, and, this morning, the field of golden rod was sparkling in the early light.
Later, Judy and I watched the Northern Harrier dip and dive over the field, obviously finding prey...
This photos was from a great distance, but captures its spirit!

The Rudbeckia continues to amaze us! It has bloomed non stop since June...
Meanwhile, baby finches are flitting around; sometimes perching on the crab-apple tree:

NIcholas

Morning Light....

Today the full moon, setting in the West was a sight to behold.... and then, half an hour later when the sun rose, the field behind our house became lit up like a sea of gold.

Meanwhile, work gather pace at plots 3 and 4, where a new townhouse is being built. Earth has been dug, concrete poured, markers set and soon, timbers will be rising from the ground.
Our new river birch trees are settling in, albeit having shed a few leaves.

As I write, three turkey buzzards are soaring over Applewood lane...
fabulous!
Nicholas

Early Autumn Colors...

The Jim Shug trail in Dryden is magnificent at this time of year, especially in the early morning. Going on for miles, it used to be a rail track, but is now a perfect path.
Early signs of autumn abound... especially with the sumac and vines turning bright red.
Our garden is stunning, with rudbeckia, russian sage and lavender lasting for weeks.

Purple loosestrife is abundant around and about the house and the fields across the way. Considered a pest by experts it adds a glorious splash of purple in all sorts of places.
Yesterday walking the field, Judy and I spotted a swarm of hundreds of dragonflies, darting around above the goldenrod. Overhead three or four fly catchers were busy, trying to eat their fill.
Nicholas