A Fabulous Fall Day

On Wednesday, October 15, my two brothers-in-law and their wives (one couple from Atlanta, the other from Hartsville, SC) arrived for a long-anticipated visit. So how did Ron and I entertain them? As though they weren't tired of riding, the next day we stuck them in the minivan and drove to Bedford, Virginia, where we toured the D-Day Memorial, then headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway to view the colors.

We stopped at the Peaks of Otter Lodge for a picture-snapping opportunity. While in the gift shop, I noticed that five unsigned copies of my book, Secrets at Spawing Run, were on the shelf. I offered to sign them; management was delighted. I gathered a few tidbits of information about the Lodge for my second book which, by the way, is nearly finished. Hallelujah!

View from the Peaks of Otter Lodge

From the Peaks of Otter we continued on up the parkway. Even though the views were spectacular as always, the colors weren't as brilliant as Ron and I had hoped. I managed, however, to snap 70 pictures, many through the front windshield of the moving car.

View through the front windshield

Leaving the parkway, we drove to the Golden Corral in Lynchburg where two of our three children and their families joined us for dinner. I enjoyed seeing cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents interact. When I'm with my family and see my intelligent, fun, and fun-loving grandchildren, I feel like maybe there really is a chance for our country. I haven't felt that way too often in the past few months.

Another view from the Parkway

Two days later I stepped outside on our deck. In the early morning light, the sun's rays danced and shimmered across the water. I grabbed my camera, took the picture below. And I finally made up my mind. No longer a fickle-season person, I declare here for all to read that fall is my very favorite season. Who can resist Mother Nature's wild paint brush as it covers the trees in crisp browns, reds, golds and oranges? Not I.

Early morning on our deck

Glorious Fall

I couldn't resist snapping this photo from my deck this morning. Leaves are falling rapidly--some trees are nearly bare--and I want to capture as many glorious fall days as possible. At this time each year, I'm positive fall is my favorite season. I love the golds, reds, burgundys, greens, and even browns. I love the crunch underfoot when my dog Angus and I take our daily morning walk. On those walks we sometimes spook wild turkeys crossing our little road. Deer stand watchful as they see us coming, then bound quietly (how do they do that?) into the woods. Soon winter will come, opening vistas not easily visible the rest of the year when the leaves cling tightly to the trees.

You know what? Today I've said that fall is my favorite season. But when winter arrives with her snow and ice, I'm sure I'll say winter is my favorite season. And at that time, it will be. And I'll take some pictures to share with you.