Autumn in my woods

Autumn is always glorious in the South.

It is a welcome reprieve from the heat and humidity of summer.

The temperatures range from mild to just right,

and there is color everywhere. 

Few things are nicer this time of year than a walk in our woods with friends.

Would you care to join us?

 Out the door, into the yard

 Here we go

Home again,

Autumn Antebellum 

Hope your day is as lovely as ours has been,

Cheers,

Kat

She's Back!

I am back, I didn't actually go anywhere, I just let life get in the way.  I won't promise to post on any set schedule, but I will try not to let the blog escape me again.
You see, I enjoy blogging.
I enjoy taking the pictures and preparing them for posting,
I enjoy the writing, and I enjoy connecting with other people who enjoy some of the same things.
I started this blog as a creative outlet, a way to relieve stress.
So, more creating and less stress, coming right up.

 Daisies in soft light

For me, Daisies are associated with love. When we were dating, my Sweet Husband bought me bouquets because he knew they were my favorite flowers, my wedding bouquet was made up  of Daisies and Roses, this bouquet came from him as well, he still loves me! I am a very lucky girl.

It's Pumpkin (ale, beer, cider?) Season!

Ok, so maybe not as romantic, but pumpkin related tasty things are one of the things I look forward to every year. They are only here for a short time. Last year's favorite might not be as good this year and oh my, look, there's another new one.  

Firewood 

Can you think of a more comforting sight?

Bring on the long winter's mornings!

 Reflections

Autumn is a good time to look back, remember and be happy.

Sometimes the most wonderful things, come to us in tiny packages. 

I want to get back into the habit of recognizing wonders when they find me.

Red and Yellow 

Autumn is finally showing her stuff here in our woods. 

She takes her time, but it is always worth the wait. 

 Gold on the Elm

This gracious old elm provides shade in our back yard during the summer months. 

In the autumn, she gifts us with a brilliant gold display of leaves.

She is even beautiful in the winter, maybe I will show you a picture once this year's show of color is done. 

I leave you for now with a view down our road. 

See you soon,

Cheers

Kat

Congaree National Park, a Saturday escape.

Last weekend, we decided to take a break.

We went to Congaree National Park.

It is located near Columbia, SC.

Click on the link here Congaree National Park  for all the details.

Conagree is a relatively young National Park, it was

designated as a National Natural Landmark in the 1970's,

but has only been a National Park since 2003.

There are plenty of things to do at the park,

We decided to go for a walk on the boardwalk.

It is an easy two mile loop. 

Moody and atmospheric,

Especially when you are alone. 

 Cyprus Knees grow up all around the base of cyprus trees.

See the lumps sticking up?

No worries, I don't beleive it is actually haunted,

but this picture looked so moody,

I could not resist.

It is the season!

Photoshop is fun. 

The trees grow in such wierd shapes. 

Nature keeps things interesting. 

 Is it a stray root,

or did someone wander from the path.....

Shelf fungus. 

There is so much to see

it is easy to forget to look up.

Surrounded by peaceful beauty. 

Just a hint of Autumn Color. 

and of course, 

you must appriciate the small things too.  

 A snapping turtle in Weston Lake.

Can you see him, just under the water?

There he is,

I took this with the zoom.

Snapping Turtles bite. 

A smaller turtle swimming near by.

We spent a nice little while watching these guys. 

Looks like a rendezvous. 

Do you think it is romantic?

All good things must come to an end.

We will certainly go back.

This was one of the most peaceful walks,

just what I needed. 

The bonus,

we stopped for some groceries on the way home

and were greeted with this when we came out.

Just plain lovely.

Cheers,

Kat

Ten things I like about Autumn.

I grew up in Northern Utah,

in a town built on the side of the Rocky Mountains.

The leaf season starts earlier there.

Here in the South, the change is much more gradual.

Our leaves are not the vibrant green they were a month ago,

but they are not truly changing yet either.

Our peak leaf season starts later and lasts longer.

I can't wait so I have been digging through photos from previous years.

Here are some of my favorites.

Illistrating 10 things I like about Autumn.

1. The colors.

Green is lovely, but some variety is a treat. 

2. The start of snuggle season.

The early mornings are finally cool enough to snuggle. 

3. The temperatures.

It isn't really cold, or really hot.

As baby bear would say, "just right". 

4. Birds.

We get to see all sorts on their way to warmer places. 

5. Long walks in the mountains.

Can't you just hear the leaves crunching? 

6. The lighting.

The Autumn sun is a little lower in the sky,

it changes how everything looks. 

 7. The calm.

Thanksgiving and Christmas with all their joyful chaos are just around the corner,

but I have time to enjoy now first.

8. Tasty treats.

Cooler weather inspires both of us to bake more.

If I get my homework done,

 I might have to try that new pumpkin bread recipee.

 (I'm a lousy cook, but a great baker)

9. This!

Do I really need to explain it? 

10. Change.

Life is about change.

We go from one stage to another,

one year to another,

one season to another.

We might change jobs,

or homes.

We might add members to the family,

or send them off on their own.

Life keeps changing.

You step through the door, and you don't know what is coming.

The seasons are at least predictable.

Hope yours is great.

Kat