Wordless Wednesday: Fall in Full Swing

Colors of Autumn

After hiking six miles around the Watchung Reservation with my point-and-shoot, I can safely state that it was a solid investment. To say it takes good photos would be an understatement. It's so compact and light, I had no trouble letting it dangle from my wrist the entire time. Definitely easier on my back than lugging around my D-SLR gear.

Even the cheesy panorama setting produced some pretty awesome shots.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with my new hiking buddy. Although Dexter was a bit annoyed by my frequent stops for photo opportunities.

"Can we go!?"

Fall's Fury

Without any warning, the weather seems to have flipped from melting-hot midsummer to damp-and-dreary, late fall. It's a shock to everyone's systems -- I lost count of how many friends are reporting colds, or just feeling cold.

Yes, it is cold. But it's not winter cold (thank goodness)... not yet. The rain and wind don't help, but believe me... come late January, you'll be wishing for temperatures above freezing. I don't really mind these dismal days. It's an excuse for extra coffee and wearing sweat pants with over sized, fluffy socks.

Inside becomes a sanctuary during the rain. I've got pumpkin spice scented candles and little bits of autumn decor around the house. I hope to gather a few more bits and pieces as Halloween approaches -- we certainly need some Jack-o-lanterns and horror-themed items.

So for those of you sick of this weather, or literally sick from this weather, hang in there. Enjoy your blankets, soup, cookies, and movies. It will pass and we'll be able to hit the pumpkin patches and hiking trails again. At least, for a little while, before winter steamrolls us all into hibernation.

Summer Wrap-Up

Today is August 31st and I can feel summer drawing to a close. My friends are going back to their respective schools; others are settling in at jobs. My day to day life won't be much different as the seasons change, but I feel different. The humid summer haze has lifted, leaving cool, breezy days.

We're approaching my favorite time of the year. Labor Day through New Years; I love autumn weather, pumpkin picking, hiking, drinking apple cider and eating pumpkin pies. Before you know it, it's Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just typing this has made me all giddy.

It is still summer, though, so I'd like to wrap up by sharing some of my favorite summer photos. More will surely follow after our Labor Day Festivities, but for now, enjoy: