The Golden Season -

Really looking and feeling seasonal here today. . . . . .sharing some color from the garden.

Above from another year, special corners, places and birds all dressed for autumn.

Have a really great weekend wherever you are.

October Garden odds and ends -

Other than the evening shots above - gazebo with wine (bringing out the robust reds now after 'fighting' the pandemic summer months with some delightful well-chilled rosés), and squash being prepped for a roasting with sage - these garden peeks were taken today. . . . . . . another beautiful October morning.

As Bob watered the newly sown grass seed and swept up more fallen acorns, millions are falling this year, I popped outside to get a few shots in the sunshine and cool air. Later it will reach 80F so still hot here.

Yesterday a large deer passed silently through the garden, squirrels were back in numbers, a hawk sat high in an oak calling loudly, a harmless (hopefully) brown garter snake slithered across the driveway. . . . . . .and the bluebirds are back bringing instant happiness! A red cardinal perched at the top of the fig tree, now dropping its leaves non-stop, a mockingbird bathed with much splashing, and a brown thrasher flipped a mushy fallen fig back and forth on the lawn.  

The potting shed requires some repairs which will be carried out next week. A raccoon (we think) has gnawed large holes along the lower edge in back, and there are a couple of small leaks in the roof.  When those repairs are completed it will be time for a good overall clean out and tidy.

We are still awaiting help with the drainage problem along the back fence which hopefully will be done soon. Until then I can't plant the new shrubs I want in that back flower bed. Tree trimming and shrub pruning is done for now - next spring we'll start all over again!

Next post I'll give you an update on the house next door - a rather crazy story and we're still awaiting info as to what will become of it! Our street is so busy - two other houses sold this past month - both being improved and not knocked down thankfully. More new young neighbors which we like to see.

Enjoy this day. . . . . . and all the lovely October days to come. We continue to stay busy, mostly here at home where we feel safest these days. How about you?

Life. . . . . . .

 . . . . .whether old or brand new, 

always precious.

My granddaughter, Jasmin (22), was fortunate she survived her

 recent auto accident without serious injury------or worse.

Details have shown us once again that being in the right place but at

 the wrong time - such as she was, just two blocks from home - one 

can be hurt, or even killed, in less than a moment.

There are crazy fools, bad drivers, young and old, who should not be

 on the roads.  

There is absolutely no excuse for driving while impaired
 from alcohol or drugs.

The person who plowed into her on the driver's side, at what must have

 been quite a speed as her car is totaled, was arrested for driving while

 impaired and underage drinking as he's nineteen. Looks like he's

also uninsured and from out of state so getting necessary info

has been difficult.

Sadly the car is gone but Jasmin is with us thank God.

Meanwhile, life begins again in the garden as these spring days warm up and

 the sun brings light. Bob has been pulling up sprouting acorns - this is one

 of thousands now pushing up everywhere and once again we are reminded

 of the old saying. . . . . . . . 

"Mighty oaks from little acorns grow"

Raleigh, known as 'The City of Oaks' just doesn't need anymore, 
especially in my garden!

Hoping you and your loved ones always stay safe.

Happy Thanksgiving Day . . . . . .

Millions at last count . . . . .

There he was on my birthday morning as the sun came up, 

munching breakfast on the deck.

No, millions of grey squirrels have not invaded my 

garden - maybe just a dozen at the most recent count -

but this year is one of those bounty years for acorns. 

Millions, trillions, perhaps even a gazillion, are 

carpeting the back garden.

In the sunshine the camellias literally glow. . . . . 

. . . .the golden angel trumpets continue to open and dangle above the overgrown lantana. 

A few late hydrangea blooms wait patiently to be cut and 

dried at just the right moment when their brilliant blues 

turn rosy pink tinged with olive green.

Along the back fence the jasmine has clambered cautiously 

all summer. Here and there a golden leaf falls into a 

special little place announcing autumn's arrival.

Early clouds soon cleared leaving a cobalt sky, perfect 

weather for a birthday, or any day.

I have pansies to plant, along with bags of tulip bulbs. . . 

meanwhile I'm just enjoying these last warm, clear days of 

autumn.

Thanks to each of you who sent birthday greetings, 

I was thrilled to be remembered as yet another 

year passed by and a new one began.