Monday, October 4, 2010

Monday's Sundries

It hasn't frosted yet but it's turned cool enough (51 F on Sunday afternoon) that I doubt the nasturiums will be around much longer. So I've planted a flat of pansies in this little island bed in our entry way.  These hardy little flowers will greet us all winter, smiling up from the melting snow. If things go well, there should be a purple pool around the crepe myrtle trunks next spring.  At least, that's what I'm hoping for.

The big poplar in the cemetery  is shedding its lower leaves and revealing its elegant skeleton while the sun gives its  leafy crown a parting kiss.
This is the lull before the storm -- a time of getting ready. In a very few weeks, the trees beyond the pond will set the quiet water aflame with reflections of red and gold. The autumn color will blaze across the hills and we will scurry to make ready for winter.
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26 comments:

joanna said...

Lovely and sad,,, I mourn to see the leaves and flowers fall to the ground, and after nature rest I look forward to the spring...

Joanny

Unknown said...

I am looking forward to the colours of autumn at your place..and at my place everyday, more green as trees like magic are suddenly leafy once more.

Marilyn & Jeff said...

While our trees are clothing themselves in spring greens yours are beginning to change into colours of flame; what a wonderful sight that will be. I look forward to your photos showing the changes. It is hard for me to imagine winter snow as the area I live in never sees snow. Love the photo of the poplar tree.

Martin said...

"The big poplar in the cemetery is shedding its lower leaves and revealing its elegant skeleton while the sun gives its leafy crown a parting kiss." I loved this. It sums up that mysterious relationship that exists between the elements.

Pat in east TN said...

The change seems to be coming quickly here. Leaves are falling like mad, but you can see color sneaking through in the mountains.

Elora said...

Yes, we had our first fire in the kitchen stove last night. Brrrrrr!

Elora

Alan Burnett said...

I too am watching the leaves on the trees (albeit on a different continent) but they do seem to be late in changing colour this year. Late start, late finish I assume.

Vicki Lane said...

After a very hot summer, the autumn is welcome. Always a little sad, but it's a poetic sort of melancholy. And the colors, when they finally come, are like the rousing final movement of a symphony!

BB said...

We went from sticky humid hot to having 2 blankets on at night. There was no gradual fade of summer into autumn. But I cannot complain one bit. I could still be in Connecticut getting ready for a harsh winter.

Stella Jones said...

I watch your Blog for weather announcements. Yesterday I asked Larry (in Knoxville) to plant tulips in the planters and to bring in the geraniums before the frost arrived. I done good, didn't I?? Just in time, I think. Our nasturtians are orange, yours are red. Both are beautiful.
Blessings, Star

Kath said...

Vicki,
I Love pansies! Such beauty in the midst of a white and gray winter. But I am particularly looking forward to your photos of the trees' skeletons. I am fascinated with this beauty in the winter. Every tree, a different frame.
Thank you for giving me something wonderful to look forward to.
Kath

Deanna said...

Lovely. This is my favorite time of year. I need to get off this computer and go outside!

Tess Kincaid said...

This is a beautiful lull in the storm!

Brian Miller said...

i am so not ready for winter...i wish we could put fall on pause for a bit...that pic of the poplar is really cool...

jennyfreckles said...

I don't know which I love more - today's pictures or today's words. Pure poetry. I do love visiting your blog.

Jeannette StG said...

love your pics of the yellow top of the big tree and the beautiful pond -great for inspiration.
You may have already written about it, but I wonder what scenery brings you inspiration?

Louise said...

Beautiful pictures! Another season upon us so soon. They go by so quickly as we get older. Your words help me to savor them as they are here.

Vicki Lane said...

I've been bringing in plants all day -- a low of 34 is forecast for tomorrow night. Still more to do tomorrow.

That's some good long distance gardening, Star!

Thanks, Kath! I'll make sure to get lots of leafless tree pictures.

My second favorite, after spring, Deanna! Really though, I love them both!

I hope it lulls a good while, Willow and Brian!

And I yours, Jennyfreckles!

Jeanette -- it's mostly the scenery just beyond my windows and then around my county and then in nearby counties. The mountains, the woods, the creeks and rivers, the farms -- they all show up in my writing.

Louise -- I'm always tempted to look forward or long backwards. Blogging helps me to find the beauty in the moment.

Lyn said...

Just enchanting...love the way the sun touches the crown of the tree..Expect that those to come will be just as magical!

NCmountainwoman said...

I have tried to comment forever and blogger keeps telling me service is unavailable.

I am intrigued with the lovely tree in cemetery. Is this on your property? Is it a family cemetery? Such a beautiful spot.

Vicki Lane said...

Thank you , Lyn! The change of season always brings new photo opportunities!

NCMountainwoman-- Blooger's been doing that to me on many of the blogs I've visited.

To answer your question, it's a good sized family cemetery that adjoins one of or pastures. Lots of Paynes and Lunsfords -- the folks who originally lived in our holler.

I'll have another picture of it on my blog tour post tomorrow.

Folkways Note Book said...

Vicki -- lovely photos. i like your header photo! Fall is a beautiful time of year -- never thought about planting pansies in the fall -- barbara

Victoria said...

Oh Vicki, you really do live in paradise. So beautiful!

(I finished 'The Day of Small Things.' GREAT BOOK! It will be one I read again and again).

maría cecilia said...

The darling sweet pansies are so delicate yet strong enough to resist your incredible snowy winter... I remember last year´s winter at your place...your home almost dissapeared under huge tons of snow!!

Reader Wil said...

Autumn is always my favourite season, but for some reason I don't like it now. I don't know why. I agree with you that the colouring trees are lovely and rich because of the golden leaves.
This past summer was cold and wet. So I hope that this coming winter will be moderate!

Tipper said...

I'm feeling the need to scurry in preparation for winter here too : ) We had frost in spots yesterday morning-and this morning too.