Category Archives: home

Fall walk

The weather has taken a turn toward almost winter, with chilly air and storms blowing through. Yesterday I cut short our morning walk because of weather.

But in the afternoon a chance sunbeam alerted me to a break in the clouds and we went out for a short one. By the time we got leashed up things were not looking very promising, but we persisted.

The dark skies do make the colors in the foliage and flowers that are still hanging on pop.

It was a nice little break in the weather. Little being the operative word, as the clouds steadily poured in, then started pouring.

For Becky’s Walking squares and Cee’s Flower of the Day.

My home trees

Home is where my tree is.

The trees together look a bit like a rocket launch, especially in the fall when the maple goes golden. The Japanese maple is in my yard and the Douglas Fir is in the next door neighbor’s yard. When we moved in, 34 years ago, the Japanese maple was only about as tall as I am: 5′ 6″. We had no idea it would get this big…but, boy, do we love it, and the shade it casts on hot summer days.

For Becky of Winchester’s Tree Squares-12.

It starts with a seed…

This time of year the sap starts flowing. I always feel like I need to do something in the garden.

A couple of weeks ago, a few days before it snowed, I found an irresistible packet of seeds. I wasn’t sure where I was going to put them, my beds are pretty full of perennials and volunteer annuals. I carried the packet around in my purse. In part to not have to answer questions from my very linear spouse about what on earth I was thinking (because I wasn’t thinking when I got the seeds).

I eventually decided to put in a hummingbird garden in my backyard to be a micro getaway location. YouTube provided instructions on creating a “no dig” bed.

The only things left to do are making a border and waiting for spring.

The Changing Seasons, February.

Snowy way

Our snow is almost gone now, but last weekend it snowed for almost two days straight. I still had to walk my four legged friends.

Setting out, Ginger is looking back to make sure that I am serious about this folly.
My brave little Asta led the way, forging a tiny trail in the snow.
Asta found the going much easier in a tire path.
At our driveway the snow was virgin and up above Asta’s legs. She paused.
Can you imagine how daunting this would look from a small dog’s point of view?
Ginger took the lead and forged us a trail home…Sometimes you have to let a friend take the lead.

For Alive and Trekking’s Which Way Challenge.

Auriate deciduous-ness

A rather belated entry for Paula’s Thursday’s Special Pick a word. Brought on by autumnal inspiration this week.

Golden Japanese maple leaves.
My maple is turning golden: Aureate and Deciduous.
My fuzzy friends Ginger (with the ginger-y spots) and Asta.
The pups ready for their walk: Canine and Deciduous and Aureate.
A withered brown maple leaf.
Ready to fall: Desolate and Deciduous.

I didn’t have a separate photo for Consecrated, but I feel like my yard is blessed during this golden season.

For Paula’s Thursday’s Special: Pick a Word.