Out and About in October

Things seem to get busy in September but by October we are in full swing with all the joys (and obligations) that autumn brings.

There are long walks as we savor the last of the sunny weather. Crisp mornings often bring sunshine later in the day but it's not shorts-and-t-shirt-weather. I find myself bundled up in a sweatshirt and jeans for my walks to the ditch. The slightest bit of color is finally making its way to our neighborhood, making my way all the more pleasurable!

But oh, how those walks pay off! I was surprised -- and enchanted -- to discover that Ella (or Eddie) the Egret was still in residence.

I stand in awe of this remarkable white bird, so carefully stalking his food.



But Ella isn't alone at the Ditch. Harry and Harriet made swooping reconnaissance missions.

It was difficult to catch them on camera as they flew about, surveying the territory, but they were so majestic it almost took my breath away.

The ducks, of course, were out in full force, moving -- it seemed to me -- to a different part of the pond. Perhaps it was because it was sunnier there.

And I also caught a good glimpse of this fellow. Badger? Groundhog? Something else? I don't know but he was definitely enjoying lunch in the reeds.


And you can't go anywhere without seeing squirrels scurrying to store their winter nuts!

Between looking at the early color -- astors and sumac, mostly -- and admiring the critters, I also enjoyed delightful conversations. One was with an acquaintance through our theatre community, an actor whose work I respect a great deal, We talked cats -- he has a Lizzie lookalike. Then I talked with a couple who have their own names for Harry -- Henry and Henrietta!

Of course, not all the glory is at the Ditch. A visit to the market brought full-out fall inspiration and a fantasy of brilliant color.

                   

And the price on mums wasn't bad either!

We also recently enjoyed the first of a series of chamber music concerts held in Lansing's Old Town. This area connects directly with the arts via a number of community events and galleries.

It is also a bit of a renaissance district in our community with restaurants and retail making it a welcome destination.

              
 As we waited outside the concert venue, a fellow walked by with these three Old English Sheepdog puppies.

I hope he has a very big house! He'll need it. But they were oh, so adorable!

The concert itself was a good start to the season, with lovely music in a salon-like setting with refreshments and a talk-back afterwards.

On the home front, it is time to tidy up yards and put gardens to bed. I've sure appreciated Rick's help in making my lawn look much better!

And, for a chuckle, a look at a rental sign in our neighborhood for a lovely duplex (I should know -- I lived there a few years! Horrible landlord -- one time we had carbon monixide issues, another a leaky roof with 19 bowls in my kitchen!) It also appears he can't spell!

It seems as though the days are getting more and more beautiful -- but all of us who live in Michigan (and other parts of the upper Midwest) know...

It's the calm before the storms of winter!