For one of the online English as a Second Language (ESL) classes where I work as a teacher’s aide, I think up writing prompts for students who want to practice their skills. The other day, I thought of “Write about something you like about cold weather” — but I changed my mind. It’s hard even for me to think of something I like about cold weather, and I imagined it would be harder still for the students from tropical countries.
In any weather, however, there are always photo ops to be found, and I must say I loved the frost-etched leaves above. Today I thought I’d share other signs of the changing seasons.
I read the long, rust-colored band on this Woolly Bear as predicting a mild winter. It’s harder to read the conflicting signs in the photos that follow. The North Bridge and the boat house at the Old Manse look bleak enough for a tough winter. But on one day, I’m kicking through dry leaves along a sun-strewn trail, and the next trudging through snow.
The snow was actually an October surprise. It melted pretty soon. More typical for the time of year are the three scenes that follow., including the one of boys seizing the day for a bit of fishing in the Sudbury River (posted with a warning about mercury contamination).
I expect that my Money Plant — a goofy gift from the bank, of all things — will keep turning to the light no matter what the weather. I like watching its slow dance. Funny how a pandemic-constricted social being can end up befriending a plant.
The artist in the next photo noticed she could draw pictures with the charcoal from a fire pit. She’s partially covering one family portrait that features white hair made from ashes.
Whatever the season, life goes on in its random way, and my pictures documenting it are eclectic. The next one shows a farmer’s version of a Little Free Library beside the big, open-air barn where I buy produce. That photo is followed by a shot of Sandra’s magnificent baking. Her brother-in-law loves fruitcake at Christmas, and she starts making it in November. Ordinarily, she would give it to Tom at Thanksgiving, but this year, she and Pat are on their own with the turkey. Gatherings are getting too worrisome, and the governor is revving up extra hospital space in the convention center.
The last picture is of one of those charming things that people do just because they feel like it. I loved the surprise of two silver bells hanging near the library. It made me want to do more stealth decorations myself, as I did a few years ago.
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I do enjoy seeing pictures of what is going on in your area. My favorite picture is of the young artist, but that fruit cake looks mighty good.
I read to the artist — outdoors now — on Saturdays, and she often occupies herself with some project. I’m not sure how her parents liked the mess on her hands, but she said it would be OK because she wiped them on the grass.
Lovely gallery of photos
Thank you, Sheree. I always enjoy seeing your part of the world, too.
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Beautiful pics. You are catching the changing season. I can imagine your world although it is different from mine. But at the same time it’s the same.
I know you take lovely walks in Stockholm. Such a surprising city, with an actual forest in it!
Lovely images!
Thanks, Dorothy. Hard to believe those winter scenes were nearly a month ago and haven’t returned!
I know, it has been a strange weather year!
I love this post. Autumn is about my favorite time of year, though I love every season. I love the leaves giving the gift of their leaves to the earth, where they will become more good earth, not to mention homebuilding material for squirrels and other animals, burrowing places for children, something fun to scuff while walking along a sidewalk. It is a very positive season for me, this shedding of leaves. I love to look at the trees in their new nakedness, admiring the shape of their bones. The other day in a wind, waiting for a bus, I watched many oak leaves hanging by just a thread and twirling around madly–making its own ornaments. Going back to that bus stop shortly and I expect they’ll all be gone.
Wonderful collection of photos.
Hannah, my dear, you do write beautifully!
Thanks for your kind words, even though I said “leaves giving their gift” instead of “trees giving their gift”. There were still whirl-a-gigs at the bus stop, albeit different ones, the tree being much more bare. Rain tonight should finish them off.
Using this occasion to wish a good Thanksgiving to you and all who read this. Different this year, but we still have much for which to be thankful.
Indeed. It’s a very strange year, but I am thankful for much.