TURKEYS ON THE SUNLOUNGER: the America I didn't expect.....

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Saturday, October 17, 2015

New Developments on the Lane

I just noticed that the neighbours' guard deer has had facial reconstruction.

Here's a reminder of what he looked like before - now, happily, he no longer looks like a walrus. Note the reflector on his nose, which I am guessing may be there to avert another accident the likes of which tragically disfigured him in the first place. Meanwhile I'm waiting to see what kind of headgear he gets next.

Further along, a less welcome sight. Someone appears to be building a new house in the woods but they are not very polite.

Though, perhaps, I'm being a little British about this. "Keep Out" is a commonly used expression around here, as in the official sign at the Post Office,

"All Others Keep Out." In many cases, I find Americans to be more wordy than the British but not in this.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Goodbye to the Marina

It was time to take the boat out. Sunday was a seriously blustery day at Buffalo Marina. There were even whitecaps in the harbour. Not many boaters were venturing out into Lake Erie, which was probably a good thing as there was a Small Craft Warning out. Since we have a very small craft, we tend to take it seriously.

The flower displays were mostly gone, with just a few tenacious survivors bracing themselves for winter winds to come.

The cafe empty and closed up.

Though there was one hopeful customer.

Trying his luck, as always.

Most of his confreres were hunkered down in the car park.

While the geese were on their way to the pub.

Hey! Wait for me!

There were very few boats left on the docks - and most of them were sailing boats. Of course. Power boat wimps take their boats out in September.

It was quite an adventure, with waves breaking on the ramp but we made it after a few tries.

And trundled Titanic 2 back to her winter quarters in a neighbouring farmer's barn.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

And to the Lane

It was time for another walk up the lane past our house. The sky was October blue, the air silent except for the chattering of arguing squirrels, a few piercing birdcalls and chipmunks scurrying through the leaves.

The colours deepening more every day, though it hasn't been as spectacular as some years..

The morning fog makes for a softer tinge.

And some parts are still very green. It's been a late autumn.

Though the colours were starting to turn around the lake.

From among the fallen leaves a spectacular fungus had popped up.

The vivid red sumac and the tapestried hills behind - typical around here and you almost get blase about it..

More red in the undergrowth

And some oak leaves enjoying the sun.

But everywhere there were signs of winter coming.

Though we still haven't had a frost.

This is the reddest maple so far.

Though the oranges

And golds hold their own

Wondering when the cold's going to come racing in.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Autumn Comes to the Jungle

And everything has its own beauty.

After being away for a while, I didn't know what I'd find but the "mums" in the whisky barrels were still looking good.

And a few of these irrepressible chaps were still flowering.

As were the hardy hydrangeas.

At the back, these fellas were still greenish..

Now this has got to win a prize for the most artistic fallen maple leaf.

Funny and fuzzy in the wildflower garden.

Green-going-on-gold

The trailing vines from the hanging baskets may look a bit rusty..

But the chirpy petunias insist on holding their own.

Amazingly, we haven't had a frost yet.

But as always this time of year, the golden carpet is back, spread out under the maple tree. (In the background, the deer-guzzled arborvitae still look like shorn poodles..)