Tag: beauty of Fall

Sunny Walks Before the Cold

Dear Liza,

Grandpa Nelson has spent quite a bit of time with doctors these past few weeks. Bone scans, thyroid imaging, and cataract surgeries have had him inside, over-measured and under-exercised.

So this afternoon we went for a stroll around the park. He’s still healing up from having an interocular lens installed, so we didn’t break any speed records. But the sunshine, the bright leaves, and the delightful humanity was healing in its own right.

This week is predicted to be our last blast of warm before cooler Fall settles in.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the cold and rain. If I didn’t, it would have been the height of foolishness to move to Portland! Still, being outside in a tee shirt and jeans is a limited time offer here, so I like to enjoy it.

So today I’m counting down the last six days of False Summer.

Love,

Grandma Judy

A ‘Shroom with a View

Dear Liza,

I love the forest in Fall! Besides the beautiful colors, the fermenting leaves give of a sweet, almost beer-like smell. Well, part beer, part bread… and all good.

Auntie Bridgett and I walked out the other day, with jackets on over sweaters, to enjoy the season.

Mushrooms are popping up as the heavy drizzles encourage them, looking like fairy creatures. Getting right down in the ground is bad for my knees, but good for my pictures!

Fallen trees become mountains of moss, with fairy cities of shelf fungus perched on their sides.

We discovered this amazing fungus in someone’s lawn by the park. It sure looks like the Death Star to me!

Even ordinary trees get a soft, starry green upholstery as the dormant moss wakes up in the rain.

I know the grey weather will become commonplace soon. But for now, I will marvel in the changing seasons.

Love,

Grandma Judy