watercolor

The reflection of autumn color in a pond looks like a watercolor painting.

I think it's pure magic.

banded

The forest appears to be banded in yellow as bright autumn leaves pop against a background of evergreens.

at the end of Field Pond, Harold Parker State Forest

by the sea

It was windy, a day with interesting clouds in the sky. It was a good day for a walk by the sea.

Odiorne Point State Park

still in bloom

Dahlias continue to bloom as the air begins to wear an autumn chill.

slippery

I expect slippery conditions underfoot during the winter; this year autumn has its own version of slippery in the form of fallen acorns. They are piling up on the side of roads, and along trails in the woods.

As I walk, I hear acorns hitting the ground.

From the Boston Globe: Yes, there are a lot of acorns on the ground this season. Here’s why. It’s autumn, and if you’ve found yourself anywhere near an oak tree, you’ve probably noticed that this acorn season has produced a bit of a bumper crop. They pop-pop-pop in the road as they’re crushed by cars. On the sidewalk, pedestrians tiptoe around them. They’re the bane of the bike lane. The region appears to be experiencing a “mast year,” experts say — a natural phenomenon in the boom-and-bust life cycle of oak trees. Certain conditions, including the weather, lead the trees to produce a higher volume of fruit every few years. “There’s definitely tons more around,” said Marjorie Rines, a naturalist with Mass Audubon. “It’s been coming down pretty hard and fast.”

cozy warmth

What type of sheets do you use on your bed?

I live in the northeast so we have a decent number of chilly days. I like a combination of warmth and fresh air so the windows in my bedroom are almost always open enough to let the fresh air in (even in the winter)!

For years I have used cotton jersey sheets in warm weather and flannel sheets in cold weather but last week I was involved in a conversation that led me in a new direction for the colder seasons. A friend mentioned microfleece sheets. I didn't even know that there was such a thing but I knew I needed to try them. I headed to Amazon and placed an order for Cozy Fleece Microfleece Sheets.

My sheets arrived, leading to a first sleep in microfleece (with cool air leaking into the room from an open window). How awesome!

Have you tried microfleece sheets?

interspersed

Trees wearing autumn leaves are interspersed with evergreens.

in the woods

Changing colors reflect in Field Pond, Harold Parker State Forest.

turning red

Although the high temperatures continue to be in the 50s there is a frost advisory posted for tonight with a predicted low of 35 degrees. I suspect that will trigger more color to appear.

I wandered a bit in Harold Parker State Forest this morning, enjoying the changing leaves. Pops of red and yellow decorate the landscape.

a happy bee

Asters dress autumn gardens with bright color and a happy feeding place for bees.