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