Thursday, October 1, 2009

Nature Notes: First Frost

We got a little taste of winter this morning, a surprise dusting of glittering white frost. It coated the deck and iced the chrysanthemums. I skipped breakfast to snap a quick shot, my breath a white cloud in the strange, cold air.

The trees have started to turn here, and small armies of pumpkins are lining up at roadside stands. My own sprawling patch has produced only three, but they are good sized and will make dandy jack-o-lanterns. The soy bean fields are like seas of gold, with flotillas of turkeys sailing through. The snowy billows of Queen Anne lace have all gone brown, their lacy blossoms curling inward like withered hands. The last of the hummingbirds left last week. I will take down the feeder tomorrow.

I've been avoiding close contact with Mother Nature for a while because I think the bitch is trying to kill me. Allergies turned into a constant cough early in September, which became bronchitis and then progressed to asthma attacks. I've been stuck indoors for weeks to avoid dust and pollen, which is why I haven't had much to post here for a while. I'm hoping the frost will bring some relief, and that I can get out again with the camera soon. I do miss poking around outdoors.


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8 comments:

Rambling Woods said...

Oh Vicki..I am so sorry that you've been stuck inside. My daughter's asthma gets bad in early fall so I can relate. I had to laugh because you had such a lovely flow going about fall and then 'I think the bitch is trying to kill me'. LOL...Your post to Nature Notes are welcome whenever you want to post. No pressure... Michelle

Kcalpesh said...

Superb floral shot! I've posted a flower in my latest post! Do check! :-)

- Pixellicious Photos

Unknown said...

So sad that you have to spend one of the most glorious times of the year indoors. Nature lovers should be exempt from allergies, I think. ;-)

Caron said...

I'm with Rose, that was really funny. I feel for you with the frost, although it does sound like you are glad for it (sniffle). I had to wear my winter coat and a hat today because it was pouring and 47 degrees. On October 2. What is that?

moosh said...

Vickie sorry about your asthma. I too have suffered with a coug for two weeks. I don't know if it a cold or pollen. Either way it is a bitch.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear how bad your allergies are my son has the same thing and has to have shots for his Hope you get better Bye Bye Ed

MyMaracas said...

Thanks for the tea and sympathy, folks. I can use both. September is my favorite month, and I feel like I missed it. The good news is, the weather has been so weird this year that we seem to be having September in October, so there's still time to enjoy the fall.

Carver said...

You're ahead of us as we usually don't get our first frost until the end of October. Great nature notes post.