On the Cusp

Sourwood brushed by color                                               © Diane B. Reed

Just returned from a trip to see my family on Cape Cod. Like much of New England, it's beautiful in the fall. Or at least it was. Turns out we just missed a Noreaster, which included one of the earliest snowfalls in New England weather annals along with the prerequisite coastal wind. 

      Flying into Walla Walla via Seattle, the clouds parted over the Tri-Cities and we were able to see the Palouse and the swirling patters of harvested wheat and plowed fields. Finally we swung toward the airport and spied the Blue Mountains washed in the late afternoon light -- home.                           Fortunately, we're still enjoying fall weather in the Walla Walla Valley. The leaves are approaching full color, and the late afternoon light has an intensity that magnifies their brilliance. Although we've been touched by frost, many of the flowers will hang on until we have a hard freeze. Who knows for how long; one of these days we'll wake up to snow up in the Blues.                                                              

Today was the last Saturday for our farmers' market. We'll miss the wonderful produce, food, music and crafts. The market was resplendent with pumpkins and squash. A pickup truck bed overflowed with snow-white cauliflower and plump cabbages. Crisp apples, carrots, and green tomatoes were tempting. I wanted to buy more than I could possibly use because I'll miss the fresh veggies. Sigh . . .

 All photos © Diane B. Reed

       

The Autumn Light

Sunset over Ft. Walla Walla Park                                      © Diane B. Reed

Even though autumn seems a bit reluctant this year, the sunsets are coming right on schedule, earlier every day. Many evenings the sunsets have been breathtaking, but they last only a few fleeting moments. On this particular evening we had to hurry to get over to the hill at Ft. Walla Walla Park to catch the few fiery moments before the sun disappeared over the Horse Heaven Hills. Behind us, the Blue Mountains were bathed in the waning light, highlighting the open fields on their flanks. The Blues are particularly beautiful at this time of the year.

The Blue Mountains in the late evening light  © Diane B. Reed

     We're getting ready for winter, putting away the lawn furniture and tucking in the garden, though the blanketflowers are still blooming. They'll last into the first few frosts before they give up. The grasses are beginning to fade, but we won't cut them back until the snow or wind beats them down. The birds are lining up at the feeders, working on keeping themselves well-fed for the upcoming winter.

The final moments of the sunset               © Diane B. Reed

     I really don't mind the change of seasons because each one reveals a different aspect of what makes this area so special. None of them are long enough to completely wear out their welcome. I like the way Thoreau says it. "Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each."