Elements of Autumn

Foliage colors changing

In some areas, the trees are still mostly green. In the mountains after peak foliage has gone by, the lower elevation valley can be full of color, a sort of second autumn.

Today there is a lot of rain passing through. The ambient temperatures being lower adds to the feeling this fall is unlikely to have a second summer (warm weather spell). 

This time of year spices are a strong element as folks joke about pumpkin spice lattes. The aroma of cinnamon scents the brain with thoughts of baked apples and visiting quaint country stores. 

Picking apples and pumpkin hunting are nice excursions separate on their own from the trips out to leaf peeping.

An additional element to fall can be found at YouTube channels dedicated to tours of New England towns, woods and popular peak foliage locations. The walking tour videos with no voice narrations can be very relaxing. The videos are also handy for traveling, to get a feel for the area. 

Happy Autumn!

Bright ideas

Bright ideas are a trap. The moment one enters my thoughts, it feels like the best idea ever. If I don’t get a grip right away, then the next thing I know I have a dozen bookmarks and I’m wondering Home Depot or Lowes?

The bright idea this week is thankfully mild,  Apple picking. I haven’t been in a few years. Given my diet changes, I want frozen fruit that I prepare. Apple slices can be used a lot of ways from smoothies to in soup or a one serve apple crisp on a cold winter’s night.

When a bright idea is complicated, there’s a #1 rule I like to follow (when I remember it)…Don’t buy anything right away. The 2nd rule is to source first from what I already have. 

It is important to know that not all bright ideas are meant to be. Adding time between the introduction and moving forward is a way of getting a grip on the emotional trap mechanism that pulls you in, and clamps you down. You can identify the clamping as you begin to ask yourself: Why did I buy all those?

Picking apples is an easy bright idea.

Check out your local orchards. 

Making the most of autumn

Going out to look at the beautiful foliage is not enough to make the most of the autumn season. Here are some ideas to fill up those chilly days of pumpkins and hot apple cider.

• Foliage tours-Have a few routes to check out for the countryside and city. A tree lined street in fall can be as beautiful as a mountain of golden maple trees. Make a day of it
• Apples-List area pick your own, tours, and festivals on farms as well as orchards for visits each week
• Diners-A local diner can have a warm community vibe that autumn enhances
• Art-Check out a local newspaper event calendar for craft fairs, festivals and season based events
• Photography-Write down places where morning light and the golden hour in the afternoon are the most beautiful. Visit those places to take photos throughout the season
• Homemade Tours-Select an excursion theme like pumpkin buying, best apple crisp, best apple cider donuts, best diner. Then set your route, travel, keep notes, and make a scrapbook of your adventure

Day 66 of Week 10 March 2026

The sound of wind when it rains is not the same when it snows. Wind and rain make more noise. The vent cover outlet rattling 

is louder, more determined. 

Snow is softer than rain. Strange to think about the rain, snow and wind sound relationships. What else in nature is there that we don’t think about?

Have a Thinking Weekend

Have baked apples with vanilla 

or maple walnut ice cream

Read about Earth’s water cycle

Watch a funny movie

Browse raincoats online

Draw a fancy umbrella

Dance when you wash your hands

Day 304 of Week 44 October 2025

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Spread Happiness

Cook a new recipe

Tell an apple a scary story

Write yourself a nice letter

Mail your letter to you

Read about pheasants

Talk a walk with friends

Browse hiking poles online

Autumn Photograph: Apples

Posting will resume in November 2025

Day 283 of Week 41 October 2025

Thinking about blogging over the years, I know many of my bright ideas haven’t shined as far as my initial enthusiasm did. Walking in the woods on a Moonless night, patches of disconnected flashlight glows are before me like dots not connecting. 

Have you ever thought of what kind of brain you have? The paths it prefers to follow? 

Scrolling through Instagram is opening my perspective of where I want my life to go, within the limits of age, income and health. 

Granted, Instagram has thousands that post excellent advice, but putting it to good use isn’t always practical or possible. 

For example, what do you do if the only people in your circle aren’t of a positive nature. Being alone has negatives that can make life worse. Expanding your circle isn’t an option you are able to pursue. 

Think then, of it this way, designate each person as an uncle, aunt or cousin. Once you get that sorted, reflect on the energy you feel knowing  your turkey dressing recipe is the best dish on the table. 

Have a Best of You Weekend!

👍

Play tag with falling leaves

Buy a huge pumpkin

Bake an apple crumble

Watch the sunrise

Tell your coffee a scary story

Browse colorful socks online

Visit a local flea market

Draw galloping horses