Fall perfection

 

Once I got over dark and rainy Snoqualmie Pass, it turned into a beautiful day for driving. I had a cup of soup and sandwich at Lone Pine, sitting in the courtyad for the last time this year. A sharp nip in the air under the brilliant blue sky.

The fall foliage season is at peak now in Washington state. I drove along the Columbia River and up the Methow Valley, admiring the colors and contemplating why some people traveled across the entire country to see pretty much the same thing. Ha.

It's been a dry and warm fall, and isn't always this beautiful. A couple years ago, a heavy October snow buried the town Halloween decorations until spring. The leaves froze before they fell naturally. The sad brown things hung there all winter, as snow piled up by the foot.

I was greeted by a welcoming committee of deer and turkeys relaxing in the quiet yard. Well, maybe not so welcoming-- they gave me perplexed looks like I was the trespasser. Which we are, in a way.

The house was sparkling clean, just as I left it. Our wonderful property manager already winterized the outside. Now we just wait and see what the next season brings.

My brother arrives today for a 2 night visit and I'm looking forward to the company. Everyone is crazy busy with work, school and activities, but we hope to get the gang together at some point this weekend.