It’s Fall. Austin is a still hotter than crazy. But I can feel a change in the air.
Keep looking up.
Tag: Fall
Headed to the Texas Panhandle.
We have driven by the Palo Duro Canyon State Park many times on trips to and from Colorado over the last 25+ years.
This week we took a little road trip to go see it. Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. It’s located in the high plains of North Texas; the Llano Estacado. The elevation at the rim is about 3500’ and the floor of the canyon lies about 800’ below. It is called “the Grand Canyon of Texas” and the steep, layered rock walls sure echo those of its namesake.
We took the 8-hour drive up and stayed in a cabin on the floor of the canyon that was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The park is stunningly beautiful. Being in the heart of nature for a couple of days was unforgettable.
The visitor center provided a nice introduction to the geology and history of the canyon.
And oh the stars! We sat outside for hours watching the sky.
On the way home we made an overnight stop in Lubbock. We enjoy visiting the McPherson Cellars tasting room whenever we are in the neighborhood. We can always find another couple there to talk with over a glass of wine.
We stopped in lots of tiny Texas towns to check out their antique stores, historic county courthouses, and Main Street cafes.
Home sweet home now – ‘til the next road trip.
Tree of fire.
This view of my neighbor’s tree in full autumn color causes me to pause every time I walk into the kitchen. So beautiful.
Brrr-ski.
Last night a cold front settled down in central Texas. The high yesterday was 92 degrees. The temps today have dropped nearly 50 degrees. A rude awakening.
All but one of my hummingbirds have moved on. This one has spent the day under the eaves out of the rain, sheltered from the north wind, and with its personal supply of nectar. I named her Ellie. I hope she makes it.
Fall festival.
September 22. Autumnal equinox. I just googled it, and it’s happening right now – 9 pm central. Timing!
In honor of the season, we visited Live Oak Brewery today for their OAKtoberfest. Fun. Nice brews. Oompah music. No rain!
His and hers beer steins…
And the Austin Polka Band…
Prost!
Reverse.
Temperatures outside have dipped into the forties. The cold weather is now here. You know what that means. Switch from AC to Heat in the house. And [drumroll] time to reverse the ceiling fans!
But, which way, you ask? Conventional (aka google) wisdom says the blades turning Clockwise (when viewed from the floor) is what you want when you’ve got the heat on. Counter-clockwise when the AC is on.
Also, you should celebrate with a seasonally appropriate beverage. 🙂
First to fall.
The cedar elms are the first trees to lose their leaves this year, in our yard. The red oak and post oak are starting to get some color. I’m hoping the chinese pistache turns vivid yellow again this year. It’s only done that once in the 6 years we’ve lived here. A girl can hope.
Summer’s gone.
This is the last day of Summer 2012. I had a good Summer, I hope you did, too. My advice to you:
- Brace yourselves for the coming Winter.
- Savor your memories from this past Summer.
- Listen to this Doors track: Summer’s Almost Gone youtube link.
Summer’s Almost Gone
Summer’s almost gone (x 2)
Almost gone
Yeah, it’s almost gone
Where will we be
When the summer’s gone?
Morning found us calmly unaware
Noon burned gold into our hair
At night, we swam the Laughing sea
When summer’s gone
Where will we be (x 3)
Morning found us calmly unaware
Noon burned gold into our hair
At night, we swam the Laughing sea
When summer’s gone
Where will we be
Summer’s almost gone (x 2)
We had some good times
But they’re gone
The winter’s comin’ on
Summer’s almost gone
Oct 7, 2010
It seems that as Fall has arrived and the sun sinks lower in the sky, the little birdies have flown to other climes. My fleet of hummingbird feeders have fallen ominously silent.
Sheila365 