The Trip

 Today we had to go over Afton Mountain for a doctor appointment. We have to do this quite frequently. It's about 30 minutes away. We saw some strange sights. We had to drive SO slowly behind this house that was being transported.

Finally able to pass it, it was pretty big. Even had an air conditioner unit on it.

Next was this weird sight.

I did like this colorful truck encouraging people to adopt pets.

OY, it's rutting season for the deer! This road can be littered with dead deer by the shoulder. It is scary to drive here in the fall, as so many people hit the deer as they come racing across the highway.

We passed this strange item on the median in the center of the road.

Ah, finally at the parking garage, where the rafters are covered with these stickers! Maybe inspection notices?

Here is the tunnel we walk through that connects the two hospital buildings across the street.

And finally, the famous Blue Ridge Mountain overlook on the way.

“Driving over the mountains is like flipping through nature’s storybook—each peak a plot twist, each valley a whispered secret.”

House Of The Rising Sun

 This house in our neighborhood has a beautiful Rising Sun tree. They are so stunning in the fall. Each leaf is a perfect heart.

A tree where each heart is a sun

The beauty is second to none.

Night Of The Hunter

 Tonight was the Full Hunter's Moon. Also a super moon, meaning it was bigger and brighter than usual. And we were on the hill waiting for it.

“October’s moon is no ordinary light—it’s the echo of old seasons, when hunters followed its glow into the quiet woods.”

The Dragons

 Some of you may remember the house that was actually painted and decorated for each different holiday. For about two years it has sat with old broken Christmas decorations, looking deserted. So you can imagine my surprise when we passed it last week!

They did have a couple of large, splendid dragons.

And there was this one in front of Lowe's. Not nearly as fancy or pretty, but much larger.

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” — Neil Gaiman

 

Close your eyes, the stars are near,

 Even dragons rest, my dear.

 Wings tucked tight and fire low,

Dreams drift soft where moonbeams glow.

Sunday Sunset - Streams Of Gold

 

“Jet trails stitch the sky with silver thread—reminders that even fleeting journeys leave a mark.”

The Yellows

 Almost all the trees are still green. Except for a very few that now have yellow leaves. I especially loved this one. I believe it is a Black Walnut Tree. Many streets here are covered with walnuts!

And of course, everyone's favorite (NOT!) Goldenrod.

“Yellow leaves drift like sunlight set free—each one a quiet farewell, glowing with grace.”

October 2nd

  I am a day late with our calendar! I actually did not get to take it off the wall and change it till today. So, here it is.

• “October, baptize me with leaves! Swaddle me in corduroy and nurse me with split pea soup. October, tuck tiny candy bars in my pockets and carve my smile into a thousand pumpkins. O autumn! O teakettle! O grace!”