When Ivy shook the crabapple tree, dozens of fruits thumped down on the grass, alerting the deer across the street. Right away one mama hurried over with her two fawns to accept the offering.
I’m at daughter Pippin’s for a few days, having many literary, outdoorsy and even poetic adventures. Five hours farther north in California than I live, and at higher elevations, I’m enjoying the more dramatically aromatic and visual signs of fall.
In their back yard, dozens of mushrooms have sprouted: these are Western Black Elfin Saddle, and Spectacular Rustgill — plus one I didn’t identify.
Higher up where we played at the edges of a lake, various plants drew our attention to them because of their beautiful colors, and even Pippin learned a new species: Dwarf Bilberry. In our sightings it was often set off by azaleas turning color in a wide range of tones.
At the lake we discovered schools of baby trout, minnow sized, in a sunlit pool making for a natural fish nursery.
The most surprising thing close to home was a Monarch butterfly in Pippin’s garden, seemingly having wandered way off course; they are never seen in this part of the country, and this is the wrong time of year, as well. It was fluttering among the extravagant dahlia flowers, and we encouraged it to light on a white one, or any color more complementary. But it preferred the red one.
Just below is a picture of this year’s most startling bloom, maybe 9-10 inches across, “Belle of Barmera.” I never get bored looking at these beauties, which are planted inside a high-fenced garden to keep them from the deer. This was one of the years that the deer poked their heads through and ate some anyway.
It’s been quite a rich visit as far as natural wonders go.
I hope to tell about other sorts of fun I’ve had, very soon.
Gladsome Lights 
It is marvellous to think of you spending time with family in such lovely surroundings.
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I love your photos! ❤️
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All these lovely autumn colors, so beautiful. That is a very interesting and fascinating collection of mushrooms. Just a few days ago I saw a monarch in a neighbor’s garden – I had never seen one here before. I was very happy it was there.
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I really need to make a new fall wreath. My old one is looking a little long in the tooth! Yours is wonderful. I think I have all the supplies so maybe this will be a weekend project. Thanks for the motivation!
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This is what autumn should be! I can picture you being happy as a tick there and storing up so many happy memories. I love hearing about the deer rushing over at the sound of apples hitting the ground!
Dewena
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There. I see a man standing in that tree! *
No? Even so it’s where I’d like to be,
now— In the museum of the world
where painted leaves like flags unfurled
salute our bright season with a smile,
this autumn show that lasts only a while.
*1st picture
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We have met, you and I, in this “discovery museum.” Thank you for showing me!
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And I copied this from another post. “ the dishes, the laundry, the sweeping and the paperwork will have to wait a little longer, because I am so in love with this November day”
The whole thing was (is) delightful. But I could especially relate to that declaration, which I now think about daily, or try to.
Best to you, with prayers,
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God bless you, Albert, on through December and on and on and on… 🙏❤️🙏
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