Stick-y

I hear it's stick season, according to the media, the name for this dark and dreary time of year between the brilliant foliage and glittering snowscapes. There's still a mix of leaves and sticks around the house but it will look a lot stick-ier after this storm.  It's windy, wet and wild outside and I'm thankful to be warm and dry after a short walk with the dogs.  Meanwhile, Charlotte is counting down to Halloween, only three days away!

Two reasons why I'm happy to be home

Finally got home around 11 last night and was immediately assaulted by these two ferocious corgis (you can see how violent they are in the first photo; don't let their peaceful demeanors fool you).  It's great to be back but YIKES is it cold outside!  Must go find the cache of mittens, scarves, etc.

Oh, to be in Vermont

I know it's cold and snowy there but I've been in the San Jose, California airport for over 17 hours now, except for four hours at a grungy motel from 3:30 to 7:30 this morning, and I can tell you that I'd much rather be back in Charlotte simultaneously complaining about the weather and enjoying the first snow.  

Into the Woods

Fall is the perfect time for a walk in Williams Woods.  The bugs are gone, the ground isn't muddy and fewer leaves mean more more light.  The scouts have built a lot more board walkways, especially at the beginning of the trail, although there are still a lot of roots to watch out for.  This compact gem of a walk through the trees is an ideal antidote to a busy day.   Try it soon, before the odd mushrooms are covered in snow.

More Machines

Here are a few more images from Sunday's Tractor Parade.

Meanwhile, look for the new issue of The Charlotte News that comes out tomorrow and check out the wonderful photo layout that Linda Williamson created on page 13.

We've got tractors!

What a day for a tractor parade! Spectators couldn't have asked for a more beautiful fall day.  Carrie Spears and her crew had everything ready the day before, including lots of new signs, and on Sunday afternoon it all seemed to run like clockwork.  An endless line of tractors rolled down the hill for an hour and large crowds of all ages waved from the sidelines.  Here are a few of the images from yesterday.

Going Orange

This is one of my favorite fall scenes these days, driving up the hill on Ferry Road toward the four corners stop.  I've been watching the large maple gradually turn orange and when the light is right, the white of the newly-painted structure against the tree and blue sky really catches the eye.

Home Lights

It's a bit grainy but - 

I'd arrived early for last night's Selectboard meeting and used the time to take a few pictures in the dark of the welcoming Town Hall.

First snow on the mountains

This photo of the mountains across the lake was taken Friday morning, October 3, and you can see a hint of what's coming our way across the valley. 

Not just tomatoes and basil!

Here is a crop of Hidatsa shield figure beans from Jill Lyon's garden on State Park Road.  These Hidatsa indians were experts at raising corn, squah, beans and sunflowers, according to Jill (and the seed package).  Jill is in the process of drying and husking them; no word yet on how they taste.