An Autumn Walk Around The Farm - Part 1

Most of the pretty autumn leaves had fallen, but one chilly, windy day I walked outside to look around and decided that there was still an abundance of autumn beauty everywhere I looked. I began in front of my house, looking past my mailbox and across the county road to the corn field and pasture belonging to neighbors:

My Bridalveil Spirea was turning bright red:

The pink Rose Mallows had two blossoms which had begun to unfurl until a nighttime freeze hit them. They won't open any farther now:

The super hardy Morden Sunrise rose, however, was still blooming. It was beautiful but alas, this was the best photo I could manage to get:

A witch, ghost and devil now hang above my front door, moving constantly with the wind:

The peony leaves were turning red:

In the apple grove, windfall fruit was thick and difficult to walk across:

Some fruit still clung to the branches, and it was exceptionally lovely:

I walked out into the south field to check on the horses' muzzles. To my surprise, they were fine and I didn't need to put them back on - so I just took some photos:

I looked back toward the gravel road, a wonderful autumn scene:


The Canada Thistle managed to spring back twice after I cut it down, some of it still blooming and producing seed for more &#$%# thistles next year:

The view from the south field back toward the barn and house. I still had more walking to do, though, and will post Part 2 tomorrow:

Cats Rule The Roost

On the very day Georgette was put to sleep, I adopted a seven month old teenage cat from the shelter. His name was Sammy and he was shy but friendly. When I got him home, however, he panicked and hid in a covered litter box, refusing to come out if I was anywhere in sight. Almost two weeks later he was running amok through the house, befitting his teenager status. Look at that face. You can see the mischief written on it:

 He warmed up to Bugsy first, and Bugsy thought he was OK too:

 But Bugsy is lazy, needing his cat naps:

 Daisy thought Sammy was a young squirt, best ignored, and did her best to keep a distance between them:

 Sammy made friends with the dogs, but Bugsy was his favorite:

 Let's see, what can I get into next?

 Tired of the chaos, Bugsy hopped up to the top of the bureau where the food and water are kept out of dogs' reach (notice Daisy exiting the room - she wanted some peace and quiet also):

 Hi Bugsy, ready to wrestle again?

 But Daisy eventually warmed up to Sammy. He'd now made friends with all the pets but was still afraid of me. Sometimes he lets me pet him, so it won't be long until he trusts me:

 Daisy still keeps an eye on him:

 And sleeps with one eye open:

Surprise attack! Sammy is now a member of the family and exhibits a gentle, happy spirit. The shelter was right about him being shy, though. You'll see more photos of him in future posts: