3 Weeks Later....

Another picture of Curtis Park. There was ground showing in the picture I took November 5th of this same spot! Well, the ground should be back in only 5 months or so. And then there will be grass again, and green...*sigh*. But for now, the snow is here and that's that. (Can you tell it's not my favorite thing? I do love it at Christmas time, but after that, I'm ready for Spring.)

Mystery Solved!

The wait is over and the mystery is solved. It is a fir tree just before winter lit by a sunrise. It was a beautiful yellow color and so brilliant in the early morning sun. I hope you enjoyed trying to figure it out!

Pop Quiz!!

Can you guess what this is?? I'll reveal what it is on Thursday evening.

But on a Nice Note...

the Christmas lights are up downtown! They put them up before the snow comes in the fall and they are really lovely at night. Each light has its own garland with lights and some of them even have wreaths. I am really looking forward to this Christmas season, even if snow has already arrived.

It's Official...

Snow is here, most likely to stay. It isn't much yet, but probably will be added to each day for the foreseeable future. I'm not quite ready yet, I must admit. I just got out our gloves and mittens last weekend!

Late Fall

It isn't the most beautiful time of year, but it is quiet, almost contemplative. The noise of traffic is less, the number of people drops, and the silence is restful. It is like taking a deep breath before you set out to work; a gathering of thoughts and pulling in of peace and warmth for the months ahead.

When Sunset comes at 4:45...

...You know it is getting late in the year. During the late fall, (before Dec 21st), there are times when it is still dark at 8:30 in the morning, and dark by 5:15 in the "evening". But, then again, by that time of year, just seeing the sun is nice.

Signs

The City put up these arches a few years ago. This one is not downtown, it is over the river from downtown, but near a new stairway that the city built to make it more accessible for those walking. It is a gorgeous area to go for a walk and comes out quite close to the bike path as well. I think for a visitor, it would be nice to know where the bayfront parks are and how to get there. You'll have to let me know what you think..

What a Difference a Season Makes!

I posted a picture of the Clocktower back on August 5th when all the trees were leafed out beautifully and the day was sunny with blue skies. This is November. Very few sunny and blue skies days, no leaves. I got lucky today with blue skies, but snow is coming soon. Hope you all have a sunny day today, no matter where you are! (And enjoy it for me, it is snowing this morning.)

Sunrays from Heaven

I just love these sunrays when they shine through the clouds. They are so beautiful that I just have to sigh in contentment when I see them. *Sigh*

Yesterday seemed to be a good fishing day...

...since another fisherman caught these salmon as well. I again had to ask, since I know nothing about fish that can be caught around here. There were more, but these were still, and therefore easier to photograph! The man told me that someone caught one here the other day that was over 40 lbs. That is a lot of fish! I guess October is the best month for catching salmon, but I think I'll leave that to the experts.

I finally caught one....

...a picture that is!! This is John, a local fisherman who caught a large steelhead (rainbow trout--I had to ask) and was quite happy about it. It was full of energy and flopped several feet in my direction, which I quickly vacated. I like fish, but filleted, skinned, and deboned are best for me!! Congratulations on a fine catch, John!

A Place to Relax

It has been so nice here this week that I have been out enjoying the sun and warmth--we only have to wear short or long-sleeved shirts during the day!--and drove by a great picnic park. Curtis Park is off the beaten path and not many know about it even though it is only 3 blocks from the highway. It is an open space with nothing but trees and grass.

Almost Over....

at long last. I don't know about the rest of you, but this day seemed to take forever to get here. (Or maybe the fact that campaigns have been going on for 2 years!!) I am glad it is done. I was one of those who stood in the booth today as I voted and my pen hovered over the presidential dots for a long time. I couldn't decide which of the candidates I disliked the least. I finally chose a dot and filled it in. My vote was counted, but in the big picture, probably won't make much of a difference. But, I voted, and for that I am proud.

A Last Look

The pumpkin season is about over. We had lots of fun carving our pumpkins last week as well as making salted pumpkin seeds!! I think they turned out well this year. This is probably the last week for them as the weather turned so warm that they are starting to mold! (Not a problem we've ever had before, I assure you!) But I am NOT complaining. I can stand a few more days without breaking out my winter coat and gloves. I even enjoyed my hammock for a little while this afternoon! Enjoy the day wherever you are!

Halloween was Fun!

We go to a care facility in across the bay to go trick-or-treating every year and this year not only the kids had fun dressing up. My hubby and I dressed up like a king and queen, while my daughter was a hula dancer and my son was his version of Batman. It was fun and they came home with lots of candy. (Thankfully, they don't care for chocolate too much, so mom and dad get to share as well!) It has been a busy week with 2 birthdays in my family, as well as Halloween. Hopefully things will be quieter next week!