A Damp Walk

The thermometer reads a deceptive 45º this afternoon - but the air is full of moisture and feels much cooler than that.

Nature is quiet today, the trees and grasses muted and pale. With no grandeur of autumn to be seen, I set out in search of small beauties. Here is the first - a pine cone sleeping on a thick bed of needles:

The marshy lake around the corner is all silvery-grey under the sky:

Birds on the wires above all fly away at my approach, except this brave little soul. What is he thinking of as he gazes into the west?

(Insect soup would be my guess.)

Along the marsh's edge grow some exotic-looking grasses with swooping seed heads:

Around a corner and onto the trail, where wild grass and goldenrod make a study in pale browns, with a twisty-barked oak behind:

A flock of geese flies over, honking and heading north:

(Why north? They're looking for a pond to sleep on.)

In a touching show of faith, the snowmobile clubs have been out marking the trails. I hope this winter offers them more sport than last winter did.

I had no idea we were growing such dangerous crops in the vicinity:

(There's no telling what mischief those genetically modified seeds might get up to.)

Statutory goldenrod picture:

(Why does this flower fascinate me so in its dried state? Something to do with the graceful drooping curve of the blossom head.)

A pleasing swoop of wire fence on the border of the prairie restoration project:

Though most of the trees are bare, this one is still covered with dry brown leaves that whisper in the tiny breeze:

Wild asparagus are sporting bright-red seeds that look like little Christmas decorations:

I pass the glassy pond behind the high school, just in time to catch a rosy reflection of the sinking sun:

Can it really be December? (Already?) And only 23 days until Christmas - doesn't seem possible.

A very good walk, though chilly and damp. Did you spend any time outdoors today? If so, what did you do?

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P.S. To my knitting friends and/or cooking friends, be sure to check out Annie's giveaway over at Knitsofacto - she has two wonderful books on offer. The deadline for entering is December 6th.

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