Goodbye Summer…..Hello Fall

“Fall has always been my favorite season.

The time when everything bursts with its las beauty,

as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”

~Laura DeStefano~

 

Today, Thursday, September 22, 2016, is the first official day of autumn. While ushering in the fall season, the day marks the end of summer. I personally love this time of year. Even as a child, I just found the fall season fascinating.

The crisp fall air suddenly ushers in cooler nights. The sunsets occur earlier, bringing perfect weather for stargazing and bonfires.

 

Sunset in Michigan
Michigan Sunset

 

The local football season is in full swing. Pumpkin spice is a major ingredient in various products. As the season slowly marches on, changing leaves bursts into vivid color across the Michigan landscape. Bringing one last moment of natural beauty before the blanket of winter engulfs the area.

Walking through nature, I can honestly view the signs of the wildlife preparing for the upcoming cold winter months. I love watching the squirrels and chipmunks gather acorns. The little critters scamper across the dirt paths in front of me. Of course, the chipmunks chatter loudly in my direction as if to tell me I am intruding on their personal space.

Chipmunks love to chatter.
Chipmunks love to chatter.

I try to enjoy these last moments of fall before winter brings nature to a quiet standstill.

Until next time….peace

The Love of a Sunset

What can I say? Some evenings the mere glimpse of the sunset fills me with love, peace and a sense of joy. Tonight was no exception, the warm Michigan air seemed to help illuminate the emerging night sky.

As nature’s colors shined brightly through the treeline, I found myself transfixed. Yes, I still took over a hundred pictures of the sky and surrounding area. But for a moment, I just stood there. The moment was just magical. The fireflies flew about, the birds sang their chorus with the crickets and the frogs, and I just loved the moment.

With all the deadlines and hustle and bustle of the daily demands, taking the time to watch a sunset should be mandatory.

Until next time….peace

The Beauty of Snow

My social media page was filled with negative comments about the snow storm. Yes, I know the snow is an inconvenience. But the natural occurrence is absolutely beautiful. To be honest, everyone was warned about the snow in advance. The shutdown of offices, businesses, and schools due to inclement weather is for the safety of everyone. I cannot see why people were complaining.

I love how the old barn looks after the snow
I love how the old barn looks after the snow

Personally, I think you should enjoy the extra moments with your family. Go outside, build a snowman, do a project together, etc. Enjoy the official snow day from work and school. But, that’s just my opinion.

The Windwalker
The Windwalker standing tall.

 

Until next time…peace

 

Sunset Love

“There’s never one sunrise the same or one sunset the same”

Carlos Santana

For the last couple of days, we have had beautiful weather. The temperature has been above 50 degrees. For Michigan, the warmer temps are out of the ordinary for this time of year. Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling that by next week, we will have a foot of snow. But for now, I will enjoy the sunsets….

Until next time….peace

Beautiful Night

Life is short and the older you get, the more you feel it. Indeed, the shorter it is.

People lose their capacity to walk, run, travel, think, and experience life.

I realise how important it is to use the time I have.

Viggo Mortensen

The day was full of bright sunshine which has turned into a beautiful night. I am grateful for the warmer weather. But I fear the warm weekend is just a break from the upcoming winter storm next week.

Hope everyone had a great day.

Until next time…peace

Beautiful But Cold

“Beautiful But Cold” is the only way I could describe today. Even with the sun peaking through at various times throughout the day, the temps never made their way out of the teens. With the wind chill factored in, the air felt even colder.

The wild birds seem to spend extra time at the feeders which were wonderful to watch this morning.

The evening air was crisp but I could not resist the view. I with my little puppy, Gizmo in tow went out for a few minutes. I snapped about 50 pics when I decided the air was just too much for me. (I really need to invest in some new outdoor wear. Thank goodness for REI).  Gizmo did not hesitate when I asked if he was ready to go in.

We both have been enjoying the rest of the evening by the fireplace.

Hope everyone had a great day.

Until next time…..peace.

 

Foggy Evening

The fog has definitely rolled into mid-Michigan this evening. I can feel a dampness in the air as the weather slowly warms above freezing. Depending on the news outlet, we will receive between 5 to 10 inches of snow within the next two days. I am wondering if the dense fog is just the prelude to the coming snow storm. I know there is an old weather tale that states, ““For every fog in August, there will be a snowfall.” But I do not know if the fog actually is an indicator of an upcoming snow storm.

The fog makes the old barn look almost spooky.
The fog makes the old barn look almost spooky.

Michigan has seen a mild winter so far. A really good snow storm is just a matter of time. I guess, we will find out tonight. The snow is reported to begin after 1 a.m. I have nowhere to go for the next couple of days. I can just spend extra time working on my book. And, of course, go out and take pictures of the newly fallen snow.

Until next time…..peace.

P.S. A special shout out to my father who celebrates his 70th birthday today.

Cold Day to the New Year

“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.”

Anton Chekhov

 

I really do love this quote. Today, January 1, 2016, was definitely a cold start for the first day of the New Year. I know, we have had worse here in mid-Michigan. But up until now, the weather has been mild.

The cold temperatures are just a reminder that Mother Nature is actually the one in charge.

I hope your first day of 2016 was filled with memorable moments.

Until next time…peace….

A December’s Dawn

Keep your face always toward the sunshine– and shadows will fall behind you.

Walt Whitman

This morning’s sunrise was inspirational: A December’s Dawn.  The crisp, chill of the morning air just made the colors seem more vibrant. In fact, the photo I am sharing has no filter. I just wanted everyone to see what I did.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.

Until next time….peace