Garden Stroll - Nov 2, 2018

Fall is falling...

Red and yellow, gold and brown,
leaves are falling down, down, down:

 East lawn:

West lawn:

A rare blue sky day this season:

Never realized how red the season is,
though for a short time as leaves are falling, falling, falling -
not one by one, but like a flurry of snowflakes.

Barberry:

Neighbor's Maple:

Smoke Bush:

Moses' Burning Bush:

Dogwood Leaf:

Oakleaf Hydrangea:
TY Sadie

Japanese Maple:
TY Lesley

Plus red roses this November 2:

Honey Bees in this mum.
Did I mention today's date - Nov. 2.

Another garden guest.
(Taken through window screen.)
He was taking a bath.
Missed those shots, though.

Sunflower heads are empty:

But there are plenty of berries for his breakfast, lunch, dinner -

Crabapples:

Barberry:

Moses' Burning Bush:

Such a delight to find blooms in November:

A time of reflection:
The beginning of the week this rose still showcased summer's dream -
lush, green, non-stop blooming with bright pink buds, despite being October.
Today it appears to be in the autumn of its cycle.
Still beautiful, though the flush of its youth is gone.
Its ending makes way for a new beginning, preparing for 2019.

This magnolia holds the promise of tomorrow:  Spring!

Plumes in the ornamental grass garden:

Changing into their party dress.
Will soon be wearing their birthday suit.

End of day:  God's glory touching earth!

Thankful for the nice weather to prepare the yard for winter.
Compost bin is already more than shoulder high.
According to forecast rains return tomorrow.
Leaves will be raining down as well.  Raking awaits.

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven.
...a time to plant and a time to uproot...

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Autumn Rain

Autumn Rain

When autumn rains rain

you'll see colored leaves rain,

tumbling down

where on the ground

they silently lay

until the sun's rays

return again

one morning.

When autumn rains rain

the tree's canopy strains.

Branches and limbs

from up high within

an old tree covered with lichen,

from plain sight remaining hidden,

may tumble down

dead and brown.

When autumn rains rain

eave troughs now drain

into rain barrels

that recycle

rain water

for gardeners

who are wise

gals and guys.

When autumn rains rain

the weathered weather vane

turns around and round

as quite often wind rebounds

from the sky

way up high

and cannot be contained

or at all restrained.

When autumn rains rain

time and time again

a breeze may come through

then these fallen leaves blew.

A whirlwind seen

leaving grass green.

There's no need for raking,

a yearly undertaking.

When autumn rains rain

it waters the fields and grains.

The grass turns a vivid green,

a beautiful refreshing scene

for rain enriches the earth –

it's hills, valleys, and turf -

and is a blessing from God

who created the sod.

When autumn rains rain

some gardeners have more pain

for the barometric pressure

causes aches and pains, that's for sure,

as muscles become tight

but when the sunlight

returns, it's heard tell

by many, "all is well."

When autumn rains rain

there is a muffling refrain.

When the sun does return

colored autumn leaves, we learn,

turn brown and crisp

heard when we scuff

walking through

then - a-chooo!

When autumn rains rain

trees undress again

shedding their leaves.

This sight doesn't please

for autumn is over

ushering in winter

when rains turn to snow and ice,

sometimes not at all nice.

* * * * *

When autumn rains rain

in valleys and on mountains,

it's a sign of God's blessing

because God is loving.

Have you counted your blessings recently?

I know you, as well as I, have plenty.

Our blessings are a reminder that God loves us

and faithfully provides and protects us.

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today -

to love the Lord your God and to serve him

with all your heart and with all your soul -

then I will send rain on your land in its season,

both autumn and spring rains...

Deuteronomy 11:13-14

...the Lord our God,

who gives autumn and spring rains in season,

who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.

Jeremiah 5:24

Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God,

for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.

He sends you abundant showers,

both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Joel 2:23

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop

and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

James 5:7

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Fall Snow

FALL SNOW

There's fluffy, white snow in the air

collecting on the grass like white hair

though does not disappear

when the sun appears.

Its nearly 55 degrees

this afternoon and there's a breeze.

This snow sticks around

covering the ground.

It's silky to the touch,

this little white puff,

which blows in the wind

in every direction.

Hundreds spread like new fallen snow

imitating snowflakes, oh no;

but not the frozen kind

that falls in the wintertime.

This snow always comes in October

and is even seen in November.

It's en-capsuled in a pod

before it lands on the sod.

When the pod matures

new life will endure

for a seed will disperse

to grow in the earth.

What is this crazy snow

that in October blows

but never melts

wherever dwelt?

It's the color of milk

over the ground spilt

that grows from a seed,

also known as a weed.

Its name is hidden above

if it's puzzles you love.

It's a weed that has milk in its name.

It hosts monarch butterflies as its fame.

In the summer it has a pretty scent.

Soon after the pretty flowers are spent

it develops into a pod.

I take it you know, as you nod.

This silky snowflake is a milkweed seed

that imitates real falling snow, indeed.

Isn't nature fun!

Let's go play in the sun.

* * * * *

What did you do just for fun today?

Be sure to do something fun everyday.

Do something that will bring a smile.

Being kind to someone brings a smile.

Keep an attitude of wonder

despite troubles you ponder.

Be sure to smile often.

It will release tension.

See humor wherever you go.

Maybe in pretend milkweed snow.

Don't squelch child-like enthusiasm.

Keep an attitude of optimism.

A change of attitude

will always change your mood

so look on the sunny side

and in faith daily abide.

Our mouths are filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy...

The Lord has done great thins for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:2a-3

...God had given them great joy...

Nehemiah 12:43

...it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.

Esther 8:16

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 15:30

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Confused

Confused

I'm confused!

Are you confused?

It's not April.

It's still fall.

In fact, the month of October

according to the calendar.

Yet here and there are

spring-time flowers.

Bright yellow among decaying leaves.

I'm not certain if these flowers please.

Seen here at my place,

they seem out-of-place.

What flowers bloom in October?

I think you'll be bewildered.

Their sawtooth leaves are a giveaway.

Their bloom is bright yellow always.

In the spring their seeds blow every which way

though I prefer they leave and not stay.

To see the first one in spring is a treat.

To see on in October: trick-or treat!

Should you pick a bouquet

their beauty will fade away.

Did you guess dandelions?

I'm telling you, I'm not lying,

though it's October my yard is in bloom

from these weed seeds that came in the month of June.

Are these dandelions confused?

Or perhaps they seek to amuse?

Some say dandelions are good news.

They leave me rather bemused.

* * * * *

What confuses you?

What amuses you?

When life seems upside down

instead of wearing a frown

think of something amusing

then a smile you'll be choosing.

When we choose to smile it lifts our countenance,

our spirits are happy despite our circumstance.

We feel better inside and out

when we wear a smile about.

So put on a happy face

despite what happens to take place.

You'll even find a smile is contagious

as others will return a smile to us.

Pay attention to your countenance.

It does display your hearts' contents.

It also sets the mood

for others attitudes.

Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick?

This is nothing else but sorrow of heart.

Nehemiah 2:2 (KJV)

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:

but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:13 (KJV)

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life;

thous shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Acts 2:28 (KJV)

The Lord bless thee and keep thee;

the Lord make his face shine upon thee,

and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee,

and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

After Jack Frost Came

After Jack Frost came,
orange and gold on the hillside reigns:

Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?

Job 38:29