Autumn is when New England gets to show off, and it does so in a glorious fashion. It's one of the reasons I was tempted to move here from the dreary, rainy, grey Pacific Northwest. Autumn is a celebration of colors that seem garish at any other time of the year. What other month but October could have orange everywhere and not feel self-conscious?
These lovely things are called "Cinderella Pumpkins", and if you're fanciful enough you can see how a fairy godmother could work some magic and turn them into a coach fit for a woman on her way to meet Prince Charming.
I am always amazed at the numerous varieties of pumpkins and squashes. Have there always been this many and I wasn't aware? Very possible. Or do they keep creating new ones so I'll have something else to wonder about? Mmm. . .
For instance, when did Jabba the Hutt become a pumpkin? Did I miss the announcement about that? And the person who hoisted him up onto that bale of hay--are they still collecting worker's comp, or are they resting comfortably at home now?
New England is also known for its apples, and until I moved here I thought there were only about four varieties, and two of those had the word "delicious" in them. Apple orchards are everywhere here, which makes it too easy to take them for granted. Right now I'm sipping on hot apple cider I bought yesterday while I took these pics at Flat Hill Orchards (I know--isn't that hilarious? Who was in charge of naming orchards that day?) And no, that "one bad apple" wasn't there when I snapped this picture yesterday. I have no idea why it wants to try to spoil the whole bunch.
"An apple a day". . .this ought to keep you going for a few weeks. Just don't look at that one apple. What? You can't see it? I'm not gonna point it out then. You'll just have to find it yourself.
Yes, autumn is a beautiful moment in this part of the world. My only complaint is how quickly it fades into the next season, which is fast becoming my least favorite of the four choices each year. Winter is way too eager to shove autumn out of the way, as if it's greedy to dispel the spicy scents of apples and the poetry-inspiring foliage of oak and maple trees. Knowing that the bitter cold of winter is hovering nearby is what gives autumn a bit of a melancholy air, so it's a good reminder to savor all its beauty.
After all, in a very short while, this is what will be here. . .
(Don't worry -- that crazy chair actually prefers winter.)
What beautiful pictures. I love all the bright colors. :)
Posted by: Clarissa Southwick | October 24, 2010 at 07:26 PM
Clarissa, thanks -- I love digital cameras, because I just point and shoot, and it creates lovely pics. LOL I love all the bright colors of this season, and wish they would last for a lot longer!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 24, 2010 at 07:43 PM
Gorgeous pics, Donna! I never knew there were so many varieties of pumpkins either. Fall is my favorite season too. The leaf colors in the South are pretty, but not as spectacular as yours. Of course, it'll be sweater weather here when y'all are shivering in winter's blast. For me, that's worth admiring those glorious colors from afar. :)
Posted by: Janga | October 24, 2010 at 09:41 PM
Thanks, Janga! I've been having a lot of fun with my camera lately. I wish I could get some pics of the maple trees with their intense red leaves, but I only see them when I'm driving! LOL Nowhere to pull off to take a picture. :(
I think I need to start heading south when it gets cold here. LOL The first snow is pretty, but after a few months of it. . .yecch!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 24, 2010 at 09:56 PM
Wow! Fabulous pictures! How did I miss this? I mean both your blog and the late fall splendor. I must have my head in the sand lately...or textbooks! LOL Actually, this is the time of year in northern MN where we're just waiting for snow to brighten things up. Everything is bare and dreary so thanks for the extra burst of fall color!
Posted by: Melissa | October 25, 2010 at 09:35 AM
Melissa, you didn't miss anything! I kind of sneaked this one in yesterday. LOL Saturday was a beautiful day and I went out and took some pics, and then Sunday I decided I want to play around with them, so this was the result.
I hope school is going well - when is the term over with?
You're right about snow brightening things up when there aren't any leaves around. LOL Thanks for cheering me up! The *thought* of winter is scratching at my nerves this year for some reason, so I've got to try to see the bright side of it. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 25, 2010 at 09:43 AM
Absolutely fabulous! Great pics - makes me want a big steaming mug of apple cider :) Thanks for sharing with us southerners!
Posted by: Erin Kelly | October 26, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Erin, glad you enjoyed the pics. I didn't have my camera with me today when I saw some of the bright red trees -- I always gasp when I see them, but I never have the camera!
And today is 79 degrees -- SO not like autumn. So I'm serving cold apple cider today! LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | October 26, 2010 at 04:30 PM