just a short one

Yesterday morning started out sunny, with clear blue skies. 

But, when Piper and I were on our way to the Farmers' Market, the sky turned grey. Thinking it might rain, I decided to stop for a short walk right away, so Piper wouldn't miss out if it was pouring by the time we were through with our errand.

I encouraged Piper to run on ahead, while I took a few pictures.
In the gloom. And the murk.
In the gloomy murk.
And the cold.
The temperature must have dropped five degrees in five minutes.
Which would have been fine if I had thought to bring a coat.

Piper did not notice. She was having a splendid time! 

It had to be a short walk, because I had arranged to meet the man from the apiary to pick up my winter supply of honey. It would be my only chance - the local weekly markets are all packing it in.

At the Market, every single person I spoke with mentioned how nice and warm and sunny it had been earlier. They said this with their chins tucked into their collars, hunched into their jackets, hands in pockets.

I was not wearing a jacket, but I was hunched a bit, too, and didn't linger.

How odd is it, that none of us was prepared for a sudden drop in temperature on a day on mid-October? It makes no sense at all. Unless possibly...could it be...I am not the only one who is wincing a bit at the thought of winter? And kind of looking at it sideways?

Brrrrrrrr.

Oh yes. Winter is coming, alright. Just look at this little fern.

Two weeks ago it was the color of the darkest glossy leaves that surround it.
Now it is a pale ghost of its vibrant, verdant self.

I know the feeling, little fern.

Not Piper, though!

The rain held off long enough for us to stop in the woods a second time on our way home. And Piper had loads of fun all over again!

Keep that enthusiasm coming, Piper! I need the inspiration.

~~~~~