A Quiet Autumn Afternoon

A window of energy opened for me to take a short trip to the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. On the other side of peak foliage, there is enough to enjoy.

Ripton Vermont
6 October 2026
On the other side of peak foliage

Route 125 Ripton Vermont
Robert Frost Interpretative Trail 
from the picnic area

Wild Apples
Robert Frost Interpretative Trail

American Wild Asters

Berries 

A spot of color

 

Finding that right leaf

You know how you look down, see a stone, pick it up and save it because you feel a kinship?

Well, autumn leaves are similar to that stone. You see the leaf as if it is smiling at you like a puppy that wants to be held. You pick it up and save it on a shelf or catchall bowl. In winter, you dust and place the now dry leaf back or in a new place. 

I saw orange still in the mountains. The word is that the leaves are dropping, peak foliage is falling to the autumn gone by side at the higher elevations. 

There are 1316* named mountains in Vermont: 73 above 3000 feet, 73 at 3000 plus feet, 5 above 4000 feet, and the remaining mountains are above 1000 feet except for Mount Philo at 968 feet and Pease Mountain at 820 feet, (both in Charlotte, Vermont).

Today energy arrived like a phantom on a snack break in want of knowing what candy corn tastes like. I managed to do more as well as be out and about for a short while. 

Today’s Leaf
Unknown type of tree

* Wikipedia

Reflection Monday October 2026

Autumn is the positive side of Nature. 

Autumn’s leaf peeper season is a massive community event. The beauty of fall is as much the people as the beautiful colors of our forests. 

People need open spaces outdoors. Beaches and forests are soul filters cleansing our spirit. 

I watch live beach cams thinking, if I was there walking on that sand, I will limp the same as I do out my door. I wouldn’t be able to even walk a mile along that beautiful shore. 

Ah, seagulls just flew by the camera lens.

On a slow Sunday

Traveling wise, I do not feel well enough to join in with the leaf peepers. Depression slumps don’t care about autumn foliage nor do allergies. A plus, not driving, I can take an allergy pill. Maybe this week will be brighter.

Getting things done is wonderful now that my hand is doing better. Daily exercise and stretching helps.  It has taken 3 months for my hand to be more usable. There’s a slight lump where the break is that will fade eventually. Twisting my wrist the wrong way is painful, but less so than it was. Physical therapy will help with all that.  

My 2 year plan is being written, with reality guiding me. Exploring areas online, reading the area news is practical when moving is being considered. 

I read about folks selling everything and moving someplace. Looking around my home, I think maybe those folks already had money or else they lived in a mansion. Laughing, methinks selling my things might get me a two week vacation in Florida. 🤣

To go or not to go

In Vermont, New Hampshire and elsewhere in parts of New England, this is peak leaf peeper weekend. All next week the autumn foliage will be grand. Locally, I feel, the colors are turning faster this year. If you snooze, you lose the opportunity to experience fall at its finest.

What if you aren’t feeling well enough to go on a foliage tour? Look out the window. Look at videos and photographs. Watch “On Golden Pond,” 1981. Buy a pumpkin. Have a pumpkin spicy hot chocolate. 

Reminds me, it’s a good time to buy a few pie pumpkins. The small size makes for easy baking, filling it with a creamy custard for an old fashion pumpkin pie.

https://www.verywellfit.com/pumpkin-nutrition-facts-calories-carbs-and-health-benefits-4165492