Prepare yourself for an abundance of photographs. This post is a combination adventure recap and general October glimpses, because the JOY of Fall’s return runs deep, my friends. There’s also something about the light, and the play of color in the trees, that makes me want to wander this time of year … We are indulging that desire a bit this year, and I can only describe the adventures as “shenanigans,” a feeling shared by the chickens and baby cows apparently.
Even the understated ones have a richness to them.
the day before TS Isaias brought some much needed rain.
The baby chickens did not approve.
For years we have talked about going to the State Fair, but never think about it in time to go. This year we remembered early enough, and off to the Fair we went! {Sidenote: every time I think this, I hear the lyrics from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair. Anyone else?} I may have built it up a little in my head, because the reality was not quite what I envisioned {where were all the animals?!}, but it was a lovely day with beautiful weather. If you saw our October fooding recap, you may have noticed the cherry lime fizz and chocolate ice cream – our delicious Fair treats!
and it is: I would totally wear it in real life.
After discovering Sky Top Orchard last year, we planned to return this year for more fresh apples {and another cider slushie!}. Knowing they grow Pink Lady apples, which are Mr’s favorite, we waited until they were available and then scurried to the mountains for a quick overnight trip. Apples, and treats, successfully acquired we then took advantage of being nearby to visit the Arboretum again. Imagine our delight at finally catching the bonsai on display!
and these are so fun even during the day.
Back home, the colors are really starting to pop, especially along the roadways. With the ongoing drought, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the leaves, but it is turning out to be a beautiful year. These photographs fail to capture the intensity, but the colors are rich.
There’s a reason the Anne Shirley quote “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers!” strikes a chord for so many of us. October is something special, when the light has tipped into gold and the skies are achingly blue, as the trees blaze in color. It’s a shifting season, getting cooler, night creeping in earlier, and the urge to prepare for hibernation increasing. A month for shenanigans, and savoring beauty.
I hope you’ve had a gloriously beautiful October as well, complete with shenanigans and adventure, and some treats along the way.
