Such a gorgeous day! There is a brisk south wind out there that is stripping some of the leaves off - not unexpected, but it's too soon to lose them! The sun is bright this morning and the colors on our back lot are showing nicely.

Fred took a picture of the view outside our dining room window early this morning as the sun was coming up. I wasn't aware he'd taken pictures, so when I got up a little later, I dashed out onto the deck and got a picture of the flag and the maple next to our deck. The foliage around the house is so pretty this year - but this morning the wind has picked up and there are lots of leaves coming down. I notice that the tamaracks haven't begun to turn yet, so once the hard wood trees have shed their pretty colors, we'll have the bright yellow tamaracks. Or, as our friend over in York, Maine called them, hackmatacks.

The foliage brings out visitors from far and near. We've had three different sets of cousins (all my family) show up unexpectedly as they were off admiring the foliage. We love seeing them and it has been a happy surprise each time. Belatedly, I laid in a supply of cider, cheese and crackers - I don't usually keep many snacks on had - of course we tend to eat and drink more of that than normal when it's handy by - and that is not good for either of us. I love salty - Fred loves sweet. We both love ice cream. So now we have snacks on hand we will no doubt enjoy them whether company comes or not!

I just saw a lovely big Monarch butterfly go by the window. It seemed to be sailing on the wind currents, and at first I thought it was a leaf - but it was definitely a Monarch.

The wind has apparently brought in some clouds and our brilliant day is disappearing. Once again, I've spent time in my office when I should have been taking advantage of the nice weather outside. Never mind, I'll have lunch and see what the afternoon brings.