It's FALL-ing

Each year, there are specific telltale signs letting us know fall 

is just around the corner.  First, our Asian pear tree begins to

yield its sweet, succulent fruit.

And the woodland creatures don their autumnal apparel.

The goldenrod shoots forth like luminous extensions

 of the sun's rays.

The dogwoods begin to blush with a variety of fall colors...

before exploding into the deep autumn shades

 of orange and red.

The saplings—which had blended into the forest, only a few short weeks

before—demonstrate a brilliant display...

beneath the pines.

And the crape myrtles are nearly set aflame.

The pines—daring not to be left out—show that they, too, can join the season's

parade of color.

Truly, with the deep green pines as the backdrop, the fall colors appear

even more splendid.

From my kitchen window, I observe the maple—by the pumphouse—turn from

radiant gold, with hints of orange...

into a dazzling fiery display.

And, of course, every season serves to make the delightful little well-house

appear even more charming.

Alas, all good things must come to an end.

And the breathtaking autumn beauty—that for a few brief weeks,

richly decorated the trees— 

...has now heavily blanketed everything in sight!

No doubt, I'll be working off my Thanksgiving feast

with this.   ; )