Saturday, 15 October 2022
This density of apples under the apple tree suggests they’re not tasty, as in: the deer are not eating this tree’s product. [Yet.]
Because the deer are sure eating apples with abandon. And browsing grass. They are piling on calories as the weather turns cool, then cooler.
Hypothesis: this tree was planted to be a pollinator. No one left to ask about this, meaning mostly The Botanist, I suppose.
Friday, 14 October 2022
Overall update: the maple still has green and yet has dropped many leaves.
Found these rowan berries when I was out for a stroll, assessing the outdoor chore situation for before we leave (currently looking at next Wednesday, although the weather prognosticators often change their tune).
Speaking of chores, I pruned back this woody honeysuckle earlier. Now that most of the leaves (they’re small) have fallen, I can see that the branches are populated by many interesting flora. [How many species here? My guess is at least five….]
Thursday, 13 October 2022
You meaning my approximately five regular readers. And my guess is there are no, or nearly no, irregular readers.
Otherwise: multicolor maple splendor.
Oh, the lucky part? That I posted early. Woohoo! Rain and whatnot changes my rhythms. And rain just came in; it’s to last into the 10pm hour. Subsequently, the temps will drop into the 30s (The App indicates).
You would be right if you guess we’re scrutinizing the long-range forecast for a “nice” day for closing the cottage and skedaddling. Nothing locked in yet.
Wednesday, 12 October 2022
Most of the day was windy and overcast, with spitting rain. Then, a miracle—sunshine as I was beginning to fix dinner. No, it didn’t last, yet it brought a glow to the evening.
When I walk or drive through this alley, I enjoy it every time. The yellow-golds are now (mostly) ascendant.
Tuesday, 11 October 2022
Today was the second down-and-back trip of the summer. Usually, we go years without any. By down, I mean crossing the bridge and returning in a single day.
Our trek began with fogginess here and there. Then we got to a Great Lake (this time: Michigan), and pfft, no more fog. The blues were especially clear.
All objectives accomplished. Grade: superlative.
Sunday, 9 October 2022
The solar news is that despite temps maxing in the low 50s, we had enough sun that the porch was warm warm warm, so I opened it to let the heated air into the cottage. All yay.
Now, it’s dark, and the full moonlight is streaming into the eastern windows and we are lit again. Very happily. Even though it’s without toastiness.
Saturday, 8 October 2022
Definitely not a beach day. Temps began about 34°F, and got up to all of perhaps 51°F when the sun was out mid- to late-afternoon…complete with clouds and breezes. Still, we celebrated mint-choc chip ice cream and low-carb choc-chip cookies (with no wheat flour), the latter courtesy of our fine baker-neighbor.
Sunday, 2 October 2022
Does this look like a shrine? It is not meant to be a shrine. It did not begin as a shrine.
Also: when was the last time you saw a boom-box in action?
Beautiful autumn day, with some outdoor chores, and a fine evening meal. Lucky us.
Also: news from the garden across the road…we have moved past the fence electrification season. This means the critters can access the maize and whatever they crave, without getting a buzz on.
Friday, 30 September 2022
Some time ago I decided that land management issues (read vegetation) would improve if I had a motorized scythe. Either that or a small tractor-and-bush-hog, and the latter is just too much equipment. Instead, I ordered a Super-Duper Trimmer. It came with a large-diameter string option, and two metal blades, one for tough grasses, and one with saw-teeth for woody brush. Our problem is robust-stemmed grasses. Mostly. And so: The Beast, with a metal blade. I finally got it to start today. You’d think: brand new—first pull. Not with my luck.
It is a beast. It does the job. The harness distributes the weight very well, and pfft: new tool. A fine calorie-burner. Set feet, swing shaft-and-blade to cut. Swing back, set feet anew. Repeat.
Not so happy that’s it’s a two-stroke, but the next-door neighbor fixes and maintains all types of motorized equipment, so I can pawn off maintenance on him and his crew. Yay on that.
Like the pink handkerchief sun valence? A fashion touch….
Thursday, 29 September 2022
While the weather is torturing Florida, here the sun arrived after a cool, clear, and brr cold night. It’s a weather upturn, good times for a while. And this barberry branch, down on the bottom of the plant, is sporting fall colors, while the rest is still in late summer mode.
The overnight cold was low enough that the roof of the garage (and probably the cottage) had a thin layer of frost, although the lawn was still green and untouched. Prediction is for a lovely weekend. We are lucky to be here. Outdoor chores await? What to begin with? Hmm?