Capped

Squirrels were gathering acorns for winter. Lizards were running up tree trunks. We had a mellow Halloween.

Pre-Treat

Another crisp then warm fall day. We carved our jack-o'-lanterns this evening. Mine looks demented.

The Fire This Time

What a stupendous sunset this evening! Every direction in the sky was either pink or orange. Very unusual.

South for the Winter?

Hard to see since I wasn't really in picture taking mode on the way to work but there's a skein of Canada Geese in the shot (click, as always, for a bigger image). They were headed in a northwesterly direction so who knows their final destination. I love seeing them and hearing their honks.

Galbuli

Terribly windy and much cooler. Allergies in overdrive. Nose red.

Natural Kaleidoscope

No mirrors involved. Sunshine needed. And neck-craning.

A Patch of Light

Whiled away some time at the nursery. One of my favorite places. Got lettuce (in case our seeds don't sprout), rosemary, and a fuchsia.

Munched

These leaves will be turning color and falling soon enough. Until then they look rather sad. Another beautiful day--this fall weather is great.

Glow

Almost Maxfield Parrish. Just add maiden and more cloud flourishes. And maybe some more imagination.

Saucers

Like Area 51 for the fungus world. You know they're out there. But, do you see them?

Carnivore!

I've successfully kept my pitcher plant alive for an entire week and a half. Doesn't sound like much but carnivorous plants are difficult for me for some reason. I've already given it a tasty snack or two.

Village

Now I'm seeing George Lucas-like structures in the fungus. No, I haven't been nibbling on them. Yes, the weather was gorgeous.

Delta

A drippy gray morning, rain following, and then sun. The garden is rotting away. We're behind on fall planting.

Dahlia(nce)

Warm humidity leading to dark clouds and cooler wind. Industriousness on the home front. The weekend that was.

Lounging

Tiny lizards were sunning themselves all along the river today. They're about 2-3 inches long counting the tail. I don't know the species.

Laden

Pyracantha berries are outstanding right now. The oranges and reds are striking against the evergreen foliage. It's been quite humid since the storm--hopefully it will dry out soon.

As Predicted

Yep, mushrooms shooting up everywhere. I saw twelve different kinds in about five minutes. And, the turkey herd has reappeared even closer to home (the gimpy bird is still sort of keeping up).

Aftermath

Much of the local fall color is now on the ground. High winds and rain will do that. Still pretty colors but harder on the neck to see.

At the End

3+ inches of rain and howling winds today in these parts. Power interruptions, crashing branches, and streets flooded but we came through okay. Got to see a rainbow in the end--that's worth it.

Another One

We're bracing for what's supposed to be a hefty storm. High winds and multiple inches of rain expected. Maybe all the rain will cause more mushrooms to appear.

Layers

I'm not sure the day could have been more perfect. Picnic in the hills. Excellent company and lots of food.

Turkey Lurkey

One of the neighborhood eight-bird herd (rafter). I haven't seen them for a while and one of them has a serious limp though still seems to be able to keep up. I wonder if a dog thought it looked tasty.

Toadstools

My dad always calls mushrooms in the lawn toadstools. I remember him kicking them over if any appeared. Another batch popped up overnight along my usual route.

Tree's Knee

I walk by this tree every day. And, today this particular limb looks like a leg complete with knee. I obviously need more sleep.

Trumps

An itsy-bitsy butterfly, a lone bumbling bee, and a smattering of dragonflies were almost the only signs of activity in the garden. It's relaxing now. I should take up jogging.

Gone to Seed

More okra for next year, perhaps. It's about time to tear out the summer garden and contemplate planting for the next season. What to grow?

Totally Tubular

I love slanting autumn sunlight with its unique glow. And holding on to the last of the summer flowers. These will keep the hummingbirds around.

Turning

So different from last weekend. Had to grab a jacket and sit under a blanket for the last baseball game of the season. It's a long time until spring training.

Sympetrum of a Sort

Beautiful day outside and tiring day inside. Windows open all day. Lightning flashes tonight.

Orange Sulphur

This species is "phenotypically plastic"--a fancy way of saying individuals vary widely. I was really after a photo of a Gulf Fritillary but, though I saw one, it didn't land for long enough. Most frustrating.

Almost Full

And now it is October. Gorgeous weather. No need for the air conditioner.