An Autumn Day

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Fog greets me in the mornings as Stella Jays fly single file from treetop to treetop,

Waiting for me to fill the feeders on my morning walk.

Dew drops cling to every surface, highlighting nature's artistry.

A tiny Douglas Squirrel waits for me to replenish his favorite treat.
Chickadees, Towhees, Nuthatches, and Mourning Doves twitter in the nearby trees, while Jays stand guard.

As the sun breaks through the fog, golden leaves seem to glow from within.

Planted years ago as tiny saplings, the Russian Ash never fail to brighten these lovely Autumn days.

Mushrooms carpet the forest floor - parasols for the fairies.

Happy companions keep me company.

The morning hush broken only by the dry leaves beneath our feet and the creaky sound of tree frogs.

I stop to admire the vibrant Sedum with rosy Autumn hues,

As the garden puts on one last show -

In memory of summer's glorious sunsets.

As the fog begins to lift, sunshine warms my face.

Illuminating burnished hillsides.

Keeping Begonia and Fuchsia blooming past their time,
while Japanese Maple turns to fire.

I spend the day potting bulbs.
Winter Pansies replace summer blooms.

And as I prepare the evening meal, long, thin rays of Autumn sunlight
fall on trunks of ancient trees outside the kitchen window.

Lengthening the shadows,

Painting the sky.

And when the full moon rises, the coyotes sing their wild, lonely songs.