Hang on Toto!  It's Howl-oween.  Actually it's Halloween but the wind is howling.  Better hold onto your little trick or treaters this evening.

I came across downed trees on the drive home.  The willow branches on the tree next door are whipping around so hard that they are breaking off and landing on my deck. The rain has started and the weather man says the rain is supposed to turn to snow this weekend.  The snow that fell earlier in the week has melted so we're starting over.

In spite of the nasty weather, there was an opening in the clouds to the west where the beautiful colors of sunset were peeking through.  It was a short-lived but amazing sight.



I'm looking forward to getting out to the trails.  With the days becoming shorter, by the time I get home from work and grab a bite to eat, it's getting dark so my ramblings are going to be limited to the weekends.

I'm a little impatient.  I want it to go from drab brown to white, white, white; having enough snow to actually do something in it.  My skis and snowshoes are ready for action.  I have not been on an outing since taking my grand-daughters back last weekend.  It's time.  I'm getting cabin fever so will be heading out tomorrow no matter what the weather.

I can hear the raindrops hitting the window beside me.  Last year the little goblins had to wear their winter jackets or snowsuits.  It sounds like they need rain coats this year.

The rest of my evening will be spent in front of the wood stove, reading a good book.  That is if I can stop daydreaming about my upcoming outdoor adventures.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 

The weather forecaster kept saying that a big snowfall was on its way.  I was looking forward to waking up to a blanket of white.  Well, there was a sprinkle of white; enough to cover the brown but not enough to do anything in it. 

I made sure that the birdfeeders were full before the snow started falling.  My feathered friends took advantage of that.  There was a flurry of activity.  

Four bluejays were fighting for space at the tray feeder.  Each took a turn to load up on peanuts.  It didn't take long to empty the tray.

Woodpeckers flew in from the treetops.  Their antics at the suet feeder caught my attention.  The nuthatches and chickadees visited the sunflower seed feeders.

The amount of the snowfall was disappointing but I do appreciate the little teaser.  I know that the snow will eventually come and my x-country skis and snowshoes will be dusted off and put to good use.  Until then, I'll just watch my feathered friends in the backyard and daydream about my snow-days.

The last snow-free days were spent outside as much as possible.  My little trail explorers and I had one last visit to Elk Island Park before they headed home.

The park offered so many play experiences in a small area; playground, trails, water, sand, leaves, wildlife and some wonderful picnic spots.  We spent four hours there on our final visit.

From the parking lot, we went to explore the thatched roof house that commemorates the Ukrainian settlers.  They noticed the roof as we walked up the path.  They asked why it had a 'stick roof like the little pigs house'.  

The trail led to the playground.  On the way they tossed leaves and rolled in them, noticing that the leaves were crunchy and not wet.  Who needs toys when you can have leaves to play?  

After spending an hour at the playground, we opted for a quick snack.  The girls said they were going to choose a picnic table while I got the snacks from the truck.  I could hear screaming and laughter coming from the closest table.  A squirrel was following them.  As they ran from table to table, the squirrel ran from table to table.  "Gramma, the squirrel is on our table!"

The dock was next on our play list.  They ran ahead of me and then stopped.  As I walked closer, they started yelling "Watch out Gramma.  The squirrel is after you!"  

When we got to the dock they checked to see if the water had cleared but it was still murky so there were no minnows to watch.  'Mr. Muskrat' was performing.  He would swim close to the dock and then dive under water.  The girls would try and guess where he would surface.

The water was calm and the blue sky had a few fluffy clouds.  We watched the reflections on the surface.  The girls had fun throwing rocks into the water again.  They would watch to see how big the 'water circles' were with the different sizes of rocks that they would throw.

When they grew tired of playing by the water, we climbed a rock staircase in the side of a hill that lead to a picnic shelter.  The shelter overlooked the lake.  We could see the birds bobbing for food in the lake. 

As we set out our picnic food, another squirrel showed up.  I could tell it was used to having people feed it.  It was very brave and tried getting into one of our bags.  That proved to be very entertaining for the girls.

Inside the shelter, the girls found a large stone fireplace.  Both ran over to it and looked up the chimney.  I asked what they were looking for.  "Santa!"

On the drive back, the bison were grazing in the ditches.  A coyote ran across the road in front of us.  A large flock of geese flew overhead.

This was another great outdoor day for us.  The snow will probably cover the ground by the time they get to sleep over again.  There will still be outdoor adventures but of the snowy kind.

My granddaughters are staying for a few days.  As long as the weather is cooperating, we will be doing some exploring.  We went to the Strathcona Wilderness Center.  I don't have any leafy trees left in the yard so we sure enjoyed the fallen leaves on the trail.

They slid on the leaves.  They scooped them into a pile and jumped into it.  They threw them up into the air and even tried making 'leaf angels'.  

We searched for different colors of leaves and even collected some to take back home to make crafts.  

As we hiked, we listened to the forest sounds.  The blue jays, squirrels and chickadees were familiar to the girls.  They could identify what was making the call.  As we got close to my vehicle, we passed by a pond.  We scanned the water's edge to see if the muskrat was around but we were out of luck today.

The day was beautiful and we were having so much fun outside that we decided to go to Elk Island National Park as well.  There was nobody at the playground there so we spent some time on the swings and slides before heading to the dock.

The last time we were there, the water was clear and the girls could see the minnows and tadpoles.  Today the water was filled with blue-green algae.  We couldn't see anything in the water but there were ladybugs, ants and spiders galore on the dock itself.  Our ladybug lover, had to catch one and let it crawl up and down her arm.

The girls are missing school to be at my house but they were still learning all sorts of things.  We counted and sorted leaves into big and small piles.  We searched for different colors and shapes of leaves.  We listened for bird calls and tried to identify them.

We thought of words that started with different letters.  'L' for ladybug and leaves.  'M' for muskrat, moose and Mama.  We were running and jumping to try and land on each others shadow.  Elo said that my shadow looked like Papa.  What fun!  

When we were having supper this evening, we talked about everything that we saw, heard and did during the day.  At the end of the conversation, Wren asks "So Gramma, where are we going tomorrow?"

The temperature has been warm but the wind was pretty blustery the last couple of days.  I noticed my next door neighbor taking advantage of the conditions.  He was raking the leaves in the backyard, allowing the wind to blow them straight into the bush so he didn't have to bag them up.  It was quite amusing.

I hiked the Amisk Wuche trail at Elk Island yesterday.  The wind created some havoc there with the trees.  It was so gusty that it snapped some young trees off in addition to some old decaying ones.  There were at least 4 large ones laying across the trail.  The parks staff is going to be busy for a few days.

I was looking for my coyote friend that tends to hunt along the roadside.

He wasn't around but the bison were.  A number of them were grazing in the tall grass where the coyote usually is hunting.  It was entertaining to watch a couple of bulls having a duel as the others calmly went about the feeding.  

The ponds along the parkway are still home to a number of different types of ducks.  There were a few muskrats out; either grooming or feeding.  I could see that the beavers have been getting ready for winter.  They have stockpiled branches and twigs beside their lodges.  

At Astotin Lake, people were enjoying the last days of fall with picnics spread out on the tables.  The rental company that had supplied the canoes through the summer was loading them up for storage.  The snow is going to fall sooner or later.  

I picked up my granddaughters today.  They are sleeping over for a few days.  We are definitely going to take advantage of the weather.  There's leaf walk planned for tomorrow.  We talked about picking leaves to do crafts with.  The youngest was concerned that we wouldn't find any.  "Gramma, your trees are naked." 

A Forest Texture/Pattern Walk

Every once in awhile I will give myself an assignment before I leave for the trails with my camera.  The last time I did that, it was textures and patterns that I was looking for.

I took a colorful leaf from the ground and had a close look at it.  Hidden in the bright, smooth surface were tiny lines that created designs almost too small to see without a magnifying glass.

The wind destroyed a wasp nest that was high in a tree.  Shreds of it were strewn amidst the leaf carpet.  It was the first time that I took a close look at how one was constructed.  Varying shades of grey and white were woven into the rough, papery layers.

There were some cut up logs alongside the trail.  The end of one was coated with something that I could not identify.  Wood splinters projected through the coating, creating a rough surface.




 


Moss covered some decaying logs.  Some of it grew in strands.  Some of it resembled fern-like fronds.  Both were soft and spongy to the touch.



Most times when I go out I am watching for wildlife or birds; really not paying too much attention to the 'minor details' around me.  It's great to switch things up now and again to take a closer look at what I pass by every day.


 

Hold Onto Your Hat!

The wind howled all day today.  The gusts broke tree branches and took care of the last leaves that were clinging for life.  My dry creek bed in the front yard is full of leaves.

I don't like when it is windy so I did not go out to the trails today.  It was a good thing that I spent the entire day outside yesterday.  It made up for today.  After coming back from Elk Island, I grabbed a coffee and then visited the Strathcona Wilderness Center as well.

I like to visit the SWC after hours as much as possible; after the school groups leave and the sounds of the forest return.  There's a better chance of seeing wildlife and the natural sounds are much more relaxing to listen to at the day's end.  

The tall grasses provided most of the color along the trail.  They swayed in the gentle breeze; creating a rustling sound as I passed by.

There were only a few 'cling on' leaves, holding tightly to the branches.  I'm sure that after today's gusts, they have let go and become a part of the leaf carpet covering the trail.

I tried finding as many different colors as I could on the hike.  The green moss, the orange leaves on a rose bush and the bright red cranberry leaves provided hints of color amidst the brown backdrop.

I heard some twigs snapping and tried to determine where the sound was coming from.  Two big brown eyes peered at me between the bare tree trunks.  Mama moose was watching.  She posed for a couple photos and then returned to her browsing.

She was not the only moose that 
I saw last night.  I was almost home when two of them came out of the ditch and up onto the road in front of me.  I pulled over to watch.  One crossed to the other side onto a driveway.  The second was attempting to cross when a car came from the opposite direction.  The driver was paying attention so pulled over to watch as well.  It was a good thing that he did because both moose turned around and bolted back to the side that they came from.

I was feeling a little 'cooped' up today.  My outdoor time was limited to giving all my new shrubs and perennials a good soaking.  That was probably a good thing since there is no rain in the forecast.  Tomorrow will be spent picking up the branches that snapped off the willow tree next door.  As the winds howled this afternoon, I was imagining what Dorothy felt like in the Wizard of Oz.  I don't have a dog but was thinking that the neighbor's cat who has adopted my yard, would have to be a substitute.  

 



 

Ahhhh. That's all I can say.

There is a full moon tonight in a cloud free sky.  It is lighting up the night and streaming through my windows.  The wood stove is lit and I'm in front of it with a cup of coffee.  It's the perfect ending to a relaxing outdoor day.

I hiked one of my favorite trails at Elk Island National Park.  On the way, I came across a young coyote along the roadside.  It was showing off its hunting prowess.  I watched him for less than 10 minutes and during that time he caught at least 5 mice. 

It isn't the first time that I've seen him in the ditch but it is the first time that I was witness to his successful morning hunt.  As he snacked on his wiggling treats, he gave me a toothy grin.

I had not been on the Amisk Wuche trail for awhile and so didn't know if there was still some opportunity to take in the autumn colors.  

Most of the leaves had dropped but the grasses provided color along the boardwalk.  There were still a number of ducks in the pond.  As I watched, they dunked their heads under the water to reach the plants, leaving me to see their duck butts above the water.

While standing on the boardwalk, a couple of squirrels were having a squabble.  One was chasing the other at top speed.  The one in front came within 6 inches of running right into my leg.

My favorite part of the trail snakes through a stand of spruce trees.  It reminds me of a mountain trail.  I can smell the sap that seeps through the bark.  I love to stop here for a few minutes and take some deep breaths.

The squirrels have a number of middens at the base of the trees where the remains of their chewed up spruce cones lay in heaps.  

I noticed that there is a number of young trees that are only about 4 inches tall, growing up through the leaf carpet.  As I admired the new growth, I heard a pileated woodpecker.  It was difficult to tell where the sound was coming from.  I scanned the tree tops but was surprised to find it on the ground.  The sun shone from behind the large bird, illuminating its red feather crown.  It too, was putting on a show for me.

The walk through the woods this morning was very calm and peaceful.  The only sounds that I could hear were those of the forest; trees creaking, blue jays squawking, ducks quacking, squirrels nattering and the woodpeckers boring for insects in the bark.

I came across a decaying log that caught my attention.  The bright green moss that covered it stood out against the brown vegetation.  The contrast was a beautiful sight.  I could see that the squirrels were using the log to store their winter food.

Autumn has been beautiful.  Last year at this time there was snow on the ground.  It seems to be holding off with no mention of it in the forecast.  If the butterfly that I saw today has anything to say about it, the snow won't be coming anytime soon.

Fitness Hike With a Hobby Twist

 



Today I found out the difference between my fitness and my hobby hikes; two hours.  I got to the trail a bit later than usual so I knew I was up against time as the sun was setting.  





It took 30 minutes to walk the trail with a couple pit stops that lasted in total about 5 minutes.  That happened because there was a moose napping on the trail. 

He was out cold.  Even with the crunchy leaves underfoot, I managed to get quite close to the sleepy guy before he heard me.  He was lucky that he was catching a little nap within the SWC area where hunting is not allowed.

When I got back to the trail head, the sun was almost down and the clouds to the west were reflecting shades of pink, orange and yellow. 

To the east, the moon was coming up between the trees.  I could hear the coyotes howl in the distance.  The beavers were swimming across the pond, creating ripples through the still water.

On the way home, the deer were brave and were grazing in the hay fields along the roadside.  They must have known that the hunters vehicles were gone from the ditches.

In the last open area before I got down to the lake, a number of deer were grazing at the top of a hill.  The setting sun provided a colorful backdrop for the very peaceful scene. 

I started out on a fitness hike and ended up with some perfect photo ops as well.  What a great ending to a busy day.



 

Putting the Yard to Rest

The day has been windy, cloudy and grey.  There's a leaf drift on my deck.  The trees behind my yard are now bare and brown.  There is no autumn color left.

The squirrel and the blue jays are still working really hard to get food stored up before the snow starts falling.  Last year on November 7, the snow came and didn't leave.  I have a few things to take care of in the yard before that happens this year.

I got caught off guard with how early it snowed and got cold in 2012.  The water barrels and garden houses didn't get drained.  The containers that contained wave petunias did not get emptied and prepared for winter/Christmas arrangements.  I've got that taken care of already but still have to trim down the grasses and give everything a deep watering.

It's a shame to cut the grasses down.  They grew like weeds this year with all the rain that fell.  I was extremely happy with how the landscaping choices turned out in the front yard.

In addition to the ornamental grasses, I planted a varying selection of nine barks.  They were only about a foot tall when I put them into the ground and they now would be over five feet tall if I hadn't given them a little trimming.

I was very happy with my containers as well.  The wave and supertunias added some bright color to the yard.  They enticed the hummingbirds and butterflies to come and visit.

Soon the yard will be blanketed with snow.  I'll be able to x-country ski and snowshoe when that happens.  As I hit the trails, I'll be planning the 'next steps' for landscaping.  I did have a lot of fun while I put last year's ideas into action and I had a real sense of satisfaction when I saw the number of creatures that came into the yard but for now, I need to give the plants a little TLC and put the yard to bed for the winter.

 

What are you thankful for?

It's Thanksgiving Day.  There is a lot to be thankful for.  Family and friends always top the list.  I'm also thankful for where I live.  There are many that will never experience the basics of having clean water to drink, nourishing food on the table or a roof over their head.    

I'm grateful to live in a country where I can freely explore its wide open spaces; a country that cares for its natural areas as well as its rich agricultural land. 

This Thanksgiving I am reflecting and giving thanks for what I have; family and friends, a safe environment to live in, access to education, clean water, food on the table, shelter, access to medical care, freedom, and wide open spaces to explore.  I read the newspaper everyday and come across articles that comment on the current state of the education and health care systems; at least we have them.  There are many in this world that do not.  Yes, we have crowded classrooms that are not ideal but we have access to education.  Yes, our healthcare system is not functioning as we would like but we have access to one. 

I am thankful to live in Canada where I can walk out my back door and feel safe; where I can work to keep a roof over my head and food in my refrigerator and for family to share this with.  I am grateful for having been able to simplify my life so I can take advantage of the freedom and the bountiful opportunities that I have around me.  What are you thankful for?

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

A Season of Change

This morning proved to be a frosty one.  Some of the final blooms of the season were covered in icy crystals. The weight of them bent the flower heads down to the earth.  A couple of days ago they were reaching for the sun's rays.

There were still a couple of bees around but they were not moving very quickly.  Their favorite blossoms are in front of the house.  The frost spared them but there are very few left that have not bloomed out.


 

I drove to the farm today to share a Thanksgiving meal with family.  The route was scenic.  There were spots that still had some autumn color and others that had nothing but bare branches.  Many farmers were out in the fields harvesting their crops; trying to beat the snow.

The larch in my sister's yard was still holding onto its brilliant yellow needles.  It created a great backdrop for some family photos.

There were still a couple of bright red apples clinging to their branches.  I'm sure they will provide the coyotes or the birds with a snack once they hit the ground.

A lonely robin was huddled close to a garden shrub.  It was looking a tad chilly.  As I approached it hopped under the shrub for cover.




Everything is slowing down and preparing for winter.  The days are noticeably shorter.  In the mornings, there has been a layer of ice on top of the water in my garden pails.  

A couple of days ago, one of the weather people reminded everyone that a year ago, we had our first snow fall of 2012 and a few days after that we got dumped on and the snow actually stayed.  It was the longest winter that we had in a long while.  I wonder what this year will bring.

"Someone painted pictures on my
     Windowpane last night --
Willow trees with trailing boughs
     And flowers, frosty white,
And lovely crystal butterflies;
     But when the morning sun
Touched them with its golden beams,
     They vanished one by one."
-  Helen Bayley Davis, Jack Frost