Friday, October 14, 2016

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!

36 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

I really enjoyed seeing the autumn colours and catching the atmosphere by the water with those beautiful egrets. It is fantastic to be able to observe these birds and other animals, one of my fave hobbies. These sheep dogs are adorable, I wonder how many shoes the will chew up before they're big!? Thanks for a lovely post about your corner of the world - enjoy! Hugs, Valerie

I need orange said...

Thanks for taking us along! :-)

Your mystery mammal is a groundhog.

Three puppies at once! Yikes! Especially big hairy ones, that will grow up into even bigger, even hairier dogs! Wow. I'm always glad to pet someone else's big hairy puppy, but I don't want to add one to my household! :-)

La Table De Nana said...

The leaves of the sumac almost look like bunting:)
It is a Glorious time of year! That squirrel photo is perfection jeanie.
I love when Jacques helps me with the garden clean ups:)
They get big those gorgeous sheepdogs:)
Have a nice weekend.

Tammie Lee said...

so much autumn beauty!
such a lovely time.
we seem to be in a rainy phase now.

Marilyn Miller said...

The visit to the ditch with you and the colors are indeed "awe" inspiring. I had to smile because I wrote about the word "awe" today on my blog post. I am so enjoying seeing the seasonal changes. Wow! That is a good price on the chrysanthemums. The concert would be a delight, I love live music. And a visit to the Art District is wonderful too.

Anne said...

I was enchanted. I love how you share your world, Jeanie. So grateful to have gotten a little taste of it.

Joanne Huffman said...

A fire palace might be warm this coming winter. 😊

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

I just love how red the sumac gets! It is so beautiful outside right now. Don't you wish you could just hit "Pause"? -Jenn

Bella Rum said...

I cannot believe those beautiful reds, so brilliant. Our colors are just beginning. I saw the tops and tips of a few trees today that were beginning to change.

Can't believe the price on your mums. Ours are much more. Can't remember exactly but much more. I think around $10.

Your ditch is an enchanting place and you bring it to life for us. It makes me miss the marshlands at Dad's. The water brings some many different animals and birds.

Carola Bartz said...

Oh my, those Old English Sheepdogs are so adorable!!! My daugher is a fan, she probably would have loved to see three of them at the same time. But I agree, you need a big house for three of them.
Your fall images are so beautiful This is my favorite season, I simply love the rich and earthy colors.
We have egrets here at "my" lake plus a few herons and I always love to watch them. They are so elegant and patiently waiting for their prey.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh Jeanie, your nature photos with the birds and badgers are just beautiful!
And those sweet pups. When I was young we had an English Sheepdog, and yes, they need a lot room.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
blessings,
Penny





















Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

You have such wonderful fall colors and adorable wildlife in your area, Jeanie. It's so sweet that you name the feral birds. The groundhog or whatever he/she is, is such a cutie and I love squirrels.
I'm not sure I would want to rent a fire palace. At least it comes with a free fire sprinkling system in form of a leaking roof, lol.
Have a great weekend! :)
xo Julia

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

That's the thing about living in the east. First, our trees are not even changing because our temps are still in the 80s, and headed for the 90s today and tomorrow. Second, our trees never turn those gorgeous reds and oranges, just go from green to brown. You are SO lucky. You have found some gorgeous images of autumn. Real gems.

LOVED the sign, and thought Rick did a nice job of edging! Is he available for hire (Grin)?

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh goodness, there is so much cuteness and autumn fun here, I don't know where to begin! But that is a GROUNDHOG/WOODCHUCK. I just saw one yesterday. They love to lunch on the side of the road and they can inhabit a certain area for years! This guy, his name is CHUCKLES! teehehehehehehehehe

My name is Erika. said...

What a wonderful autumn post. All those animals on your walk must have made it quite the adventure. And the colors are beautiful. Autumn is exciting, isn't it? Hugs-erika

Victoria Zigler said...

It's great that you're able to get out and enjoy the wildlife and scenery in the perfect Autumn weather. Keep enjoying it for as long as you can!

Arti said...

Love your Autumn! We're not so lucky as the sky's overcast, rain, snow and sleet... There's the odd chances of sunshine breaking out from the clouds, but no, I'm afraid the Farmer's Almanac is predicting a cold, hard winter. That's why it's extra consolation to go to see your pics on your blog. Love all the colours and esp. the beautiful bird photos!

Little Wandering Wren said...

We're in one of our storms of winter, hence it's 2am and I'm wide awake as everything is banging in the wind, (and this is Spring!) enjoying your autumn! I can't believe how cheap your mums are, Mums made me smile , as did those three sheepdog puppies that is what I call a handful :)
Have a great week
Wren x

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Jeanie, you take the most interesting and lovely pictures. Autumn is beautiful around your neck of the woods. Aren't those squirrels mischievous? I see them climb the trees at my new place. I love taking pictures of them, but I'm a bit scared of them also. :) The picture you took of the egrets reflection in the water is really stunning. The Art District looks charming, I love places like that. How nice that you are enjoying this glorious season of Autumn.

~Sheri

Tamara said...

Seasons and change.. I love how they teach us.. beautiful photos Jeannie. Thanks also for the trip to the pond. I feel like I know Ella now as we've met before here.

bj said...

absolutely beautiful photos,Jeanie

Barb said...

Your fall spectacle is starting. I love the reds. You're a critter magnet when you walk to the ditch. I want to give those puppies a bath! Can you imagine the grooming?

Sandra Cox said...

What gorgeous pictures! It looks like you had a lovely time:)

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I'm glad you've had a chance to get out and enjoy fall! It's one of my favorite times of year. The leaves were just starting to turn before we left for Oregon. Soon they will all drop so I need to get out and see the fall colors this week!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

You have an Autumn to behold and oh how I enjoy seeing some fabulous Fall color.
We don't really get much color in our neck of the woods, so I crave to see it!
Great photos for me to begin my Monday morning!
Jemma

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Still beautiful for you I see! All I want to do these days is meander through the countryside just like this. Our Sandhill cranes are returning to the fields from the north. Hard to keep inside. The weather turns for us at the end of the week. Brrrr!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie sweetie! Oh, I love seeing the fall color at your house! The birds are so very pretty! I'm amazed that we have gulls here because I forget we're close to big rivers. That little creature looks like the ground hog who lives under my back deck! Little stinkers. Look at the pups! Our color is getting so beautiful around here! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hi Jeanie,
You know, she is such a good little one too! Starting to make faces. So sweet.
Thank you so much for visiting.
blessings,
Penny

Colehaus Cats said...

Beautiful photos! We loved every one of them.

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Beautiful post, Jeanie. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment.

Sandra Cox said...

I especially enjoy your fowl and critter shots. The groundhog and the squirrel....perfect.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello dear soul! Thank you for coming to visit me!

BeachGypsy said...

Love this post! Pretty pretty pictures! Pretty sure that is a groundhog! I like to watch the birds too, they are fun. Wow, a 2 bedroom fire palace!!---with roof leaks to put out the fire!---great deal for sure! ha ha LOL

Daniela said...

Your October had such a great start, darling Jeanie, I wish you that its remainder may be as gorgeous as its begin !

Have a most wonderful new week, as beautiful as you, precious friend of mine


SENDING MUCH LOVE & BLESSINGS,
WITH ALL MY THANKFULNESS

Xx Dany

The French Hutch said...

Beautiful photographs Jeanie. I love the pups, I would have had to love on those big babies! Yes, he sure has to have a big house! Lovely post........

shoreacres said...

The goldenrod in Arkansas was spectacular,but in Kansas, it seems the sumac will take pride of place for color right now. I do love it -- you always can depend on the sumac. Of course I love the squirrel photo, too. In Eureka Springs, they have white squirrels! THey aren't albino, but a genetic mutation. I saw one that was pure white, but missed a photograph. I did get a couple of pics of one that's calico looking, with a pure white tail!

Popular Posts