I love it when the leaves start to fall.  This is the trail at Meeks Park.  And it's just getting started.

 

Go there today!!!

 

 

HAPPY FALL!!!

 

See what I mean?  Acres and acres of cotton!!!

 

 

HAPPY FALL!!!

 

On my morning walk on Monday I saw that the Ginkgoes are starting to drop their leaves.  I love when the sidewalk looks like this.  

 

Do you know these trees, Gingko biloba?  They have gorgeous leaves the shape of butterflies that turn yellow in the fall.  While I was in Norfolk I checked, and the ones on Bolling Avenue are doing the same thing.  

 

Besides the beautiful golden leaves, the female trees grow soft fruits about the size of persimmons, and in the fall they drop on the sidewalk too.  You definitely want to avoid them, because stuck on the bottom of your shoes is gross.  They have an odor similar to dog poop.  I guess I should say "an aroma of rotting flesh."  Either way, I don't want that on MY shoes, or worse: on my carpet.

 

But I do love Gingko trees, especially in the fall.  I hope you see them in your travels;  just roll up the windows.  ;)

 

 

HAPPY FALL!!!

 

 

 

 

Don't you love seeing bits of fall everywhere?  This is in Virginia Beach:  a great big traffic circle with a park in the middle.  I saw lots of leaves on the ground and a pretty maple tree in the distance showing its fall color.  See the big tree with the open branches?  It is a Deodar Cedar, Cedrus deodara.  This one is huge, right in the middle of this park.  I just had to go see it up close.  And guess what!!!  It is loaded with those gorgeous lavender cones.

 

 

I think they are so cool.  Momma used to use the tops of them as "wood roses."  Anyway, I thought you'd like to see the tree up close.

 

 

HAPPY FALL!!!

 

As I was entering the cemetery I noticed this beautiful old holly tree.  It has yellow berries.  I love it.  So after I visited with Momma and Daddy I went back and took this picture.  Here is another view of it:

 

 

Pretty, huh?

 

 

HAPPY FALL!!!

 

Walking on the pier here in Virginia Beach.  This is my world for the next few days.  I thought you might like to see what I am seeing.

 

Life is good all over, not just in the mountains.

 

 

HAPPY FALL!!!!

 

Can you believe it?  I am still using this grapevine wreath that we made in 2005.  It's kinda faded, but the shape is still good, and I love it hanging beside our front door.  It greets us with sunshine coming and going.

 

I change the flowers and ribbon with the seasons.  Next addition will be autumn leaves tucked in among the sunflowers.  But not quite yet;  we have a couple more weeks of summer.  

 

Today is a special for us:  it is Julie's birthday.   She needs pretty flowers to start her day, and these are the best looking ones I could find.  

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LITTLE SISTER!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Oh my goodness!!!!  Driving through the Ocoee last weekend, we saw the most gorgeous sight:  the native clematis is in full bloom.  You can't miss it.  It is all along the road for miles, around every turn. 

 

It is creeping over the rocks, draping itself over everything;  it is gorgeous!!!

 

And the coolest thing is this:  when I rolled down the car window to take the picture, the fragrance blasted into the car.  It was fabulous. Go there NOW!!!

 

If you aren't that close to Tennessee, look for it as you drive along your highways and byways.  It is native to the southeastern United States, and it is blooming now.

 

I hope you get to see some in your travels.

 

 

HAPPY SUMMER!!!

 

As we stepped out for a little golf cart ride on Sunday evening, this beautiful sight captured our attention.  My friend took this picture and I just had to share it with you.

 

 

HAPPY SUMMER!!!

 

Our friends came for dinner on Sunday, and brought me these gorgeous lilies.  They are absolutely beautiful, and very fragrant.  I wish you weren't so far away, I would share.  So I am just going to share the picture with you.  ;)

 

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIG SISTER!!!