Post updates by email:



Autumn for me represents change.

And change is inevitable.

So, it's the one thing I can always count on to be stable.

Autumn also represents a cozy feeling filled with comfort foods, such as stews, soups, bread, and dark red wine.

As many of you know, autumn is my favorite season, which is why I look forward to it and cherish every last drop. 

Yet so far in Philadelphia, we haven't had much of a color shift in our foliage. Some of that has to do with living in a city, and some of it has to do with the fact that we haven't had much of an autumn temperature shift this year. It's been unusually warm. In fact, several days ago our temperature reached almost 80 degrees. I actually had to turn on my A/C to sleep at night because the humidity was so high. I am sooooooooo longing for a really good cold snap to not only have the opportunity to wear one of my jackets, but to also witness more drama in our foliage. If I weren't such a city-boy, I'd seriously consider moving to South Dakota where my longtime blogging friend, Mark, lives, because not only did they have a robust autumn, but they've already had snow. Can you believe that?

However in the meantime, here are some photographs I took of what our parks currently look like.

It's hard to tell from these photographs if we're moving from summer to autumn, or autumn to summer. 

Please enjoy these little splashes of color...


Here is one of my favorite little creatures in the whole wide world.
Can you guess it?
That's right, a squirrel...






I spotted this little baby squirrel in the park several weeks ago. So of course, I had to feed him some peanuts. Isn't he adorable?...




I caught this mischievous squirrel trying to sneak into my backpack, attempting to look for more peanuts...


Independence Hall...





I saved this next photograph for last because I felt that it went well with a quote I found online, which coincides with my love of and faith in America at this particular time in our history.



Wishing you a beautiful Autumn weekend, everyone!
💗

30 comments:

  1. Your photographs are beautiful. I really love the single golf leaf with water drops on it! We haven't had much of a color shift in our foliage as well. The weather has been feeling more like spring than fall. I agree, I want to be able to put on a sweater or jacket.

    Love the quote and final photo. And that baby squirrel is so cute.

    Have a great weekend, Ron x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awesome photographs, Ron. The one of the collective gold leaves on the sidewalk ROCKS! Did you photo shop it somehow to get that effect?

    Our trees are are just starting to turn, but just like you, we haven't had much. Autumn is my favorite season too. I always look forward to when it gets colder. I refer to it as "sweater weather."

    Beautiful final shot and quote, dude! Where is that statue in the photo located?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hiya Matt!

    Thank you. Yes I did. I edited that photograph by taking all the color out and then went back and restored color specifically where I wanted it. I also bumped up the color of the leaves to make them brighter.

    From what I've been reading on other blogs, the weather has been so strange this year. It's either been unusually warm, or like in South Dakota, cold and snowy. Personally, right now I'd like some cold and snowy.

    That statue (John Barry) is directly in front of Independence Hall.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy a faaaaabulous weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey there Candice!

    Much thanks! I got lucky that day when I took that gold leaf shot because it had rained that morning, so all the leaves had droplets of water on them. I spotted that leaf just sitting there on a bench!

    From what I hear from other bloggers is that the weather has been pretty much the same this autumn. I hope we don't have another fall/winter like last year where it was barely cold and had no snow. I think it's time I move to South Dakota LOL!

    Isn't that baby squirrel the cutest thing? I love how his fur and tail are freshly new and fluffy!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gorgeous photos! and, ooh sweet little Mr. Squirrel 😍

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you, Grace :)

    Isn't Mr. Squirrel the cutest little thing you ever saw? I was tempted to scoop him up and take him home with me. LOL!

    Hope you're enjoying a FAB weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ron, these are gorgeous!! I know you're looking forward to Fall, and I hope that nice cold snap we had yesterday will blow clear through to you and provide some cool and color! It was 37 degrees when I got up this morning -- I'm NOT ready for snow, ha!


    Oh, those squirrels are precious -- I love their little hands and fluffy tails. They've been extra-busy where I am, gathering food for winter. It's always a treat when one peeks in the window where I'm working and watches me for a while.


    Beautiful captures, my friend. Happy weekend to you! xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, Ron, what a beautiful post, both visually and emotionally.

    You photos, as always, are stunning. You have a tremendous talent that perfectly captures the beauty of fall. And this is coming from a guy who lives for hot weather!

    But that quote at the end, coupled with that wonderful photo, is so welcomed at this challenging time in our lives.

    We have to believe that we will rise again, that we will get beyond this nightmare.

    Nobody can predict the future, but it's important to believe that we have a future and that we will come back better and stronger.

    Thanks so much, buddy! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well, your photos certainly look like you’re getting some beautiful fall foliage. And yes, the squirrels sure have been busy! I adore your last picture. Our family has been having some deep discussions about what it means to be an American. Having a DIL who is not American, along with blogger friends from other countries, has been very insightful. As confounding as the attitudes of many have been in 2020 regarding the pandemic, BLM, and the election, it’s still what makes America different than any other country in the world. That we all have different opinions and the right to express those. And that we don’t like others telling us what to do! LOL! And that’s OKAY!

    I don’t know if I expressed that well, but I’m actually feeling positive about America despite all the negativity. I hope you’re having a nice weekend. It’s 46 degrees today (was 75 yesterday) so maybe it’s coming your way.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes, you expressed yourself very well!

    And I freaking LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what you shared about America because it's exactly how I feel. In fact, just yesterday at work I was talking with someone about how regardless of how much insanity is going on at the moment in our history, I LOVE this country and would not want to live anywhere else because at least we all freely express our opinions. I know (from reading various blogs and articles online) that people in other countries look down at this country, but I don't care because other countries have political issues as well. The only difference it that we put it out there for everyone to see. We don't hide it.

    Like you said, THAT'S what makes America different from every other country in the world.

    "And that we don’t like others telling us what to do! LOL! And that’s OKAY!"


    HAHAHAHAHAHA! Yes...you are so right!

    I too feel positive about America, which is why I feel that this country will rise again (like Autumn), as it always does.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, my friend! And PLEASE send some of that 46 degree weather my way. Actually, I just saw online that tomorrow our temps drop down into the low 50's. Yahoooooooooo!

    Have a super weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey there Rob!

    Thank you so much for your sweet, kind, and encouraging words. :)

    I was going to post this next week, but had some time last night so I published it today.

    "But that quote at the end, coupled with that wonderful photo, is so welcomed at this challenging time in our lives."

    Yes, I thought so too. The second I spotted that quote I felt that it expressed exactly how I feel about this challenging time in our lives, here in America. I love this country with all my heart and soul. And I have tremendous faith that we will (like Autumn) rise again. Perhaps that's what this season is showing us. It represents a "symbol."

    Like you said, we WILL come back better and stronger. And I believe that.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, buddy. Have a stupendous weekend! And tell New York I said hello and love!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  12. Aw....thank you, Debbie! I took these photos over a period of a couple weeks; trying to show a progressive change in our foliage. However, it didn't change much.

    "I hope that nice cold snap we had yesterday will blow clear through to you and provide some cool and color! It was 37 degrees when I got up this morning -- I'm NOT ready for snow, ha!"


    OMG....PLEASE send some of that 37 degrees my way because I am LONGING for the cold. Actually, I saw online today that tomorrow our temps drop down into the low 50's. Yipeeeeee! Yes, I know that most people are NOT ready for snow. Even Mark was saying that it's unusually early, even for South Dakota.

    Aren't the squirrels precious? Me too. I love their fluffy tails and hands, and the way they use them to eat peanuts. Yes, they've been busy here as well. I noticed them burying peanuts; storing them for winter.

    "It's always a treat when one peeks in the window where I'm working and watches me for a while."

    Oh, how FUN!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy weekend to you too!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ron, first, these photographs are just gorgeous! I can't get over how much color you capture because you're right, with not much foliage change here in these parts. And second, I agree with you, so far this autumn hasn't felt like autumn. I hear we're getting colder temps next week so maybe that will bring more color. I'm with you, I want to put on a jacket or sweater, eat some nice hot soup with bread, and have several glasses of red wine!

    The pics of your squirrel buddies are so damn cute! I bet they all come running when you visit the parks because they must know you.

    I looked at the photographs of the snow your friend Mark shared on his Instagram feed and thought they were beautiful. I can't get over how much snow they got already?!?! I can't wait until our first snowfall here.

    Have a great weekend, Ron xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Helloooooooo there Elaine!

    Thank you so much :) I've been walking through our parks over the past several weeks, trying to capture the color shift. The most color I see is down in the park at Independence Hall, and the park next to it. I love to sit in the park and watch the leaves fall off the trees on a breezy day. It feels so magical!

    "The pics of your squirrel buddies are so damn cute! I bet they all come running when you visit the parks because they must know you."

    HA! Yes, they do know me because as soon as I sit down, they all come running out of the trees. The other day while I was feeding them, they actually climbed on the bench with me and ate out of my hand.

    Aren't the pictures of the snow faaaaaaaaaabulous? I know it's early, but I so wish we'd get some. I just hope we don't have another winter like last year, where it snowed once. That's is....ONCE. I want A LOT of snow this year because we deserve it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Can't wait for next week when we get some nice cold weather. Enjoy your weekend!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  15. Gorgeous photos, my friend. As much as I don't care for the approach of winter, I do adore fall. There is something so energizing about it and the colors are breath-taking. It's been snowing where my older son is (in Minnesota) and we're still in t-shirts in the afternoons.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hellooooooooo my Libra friend!

    It's so great to see your comment because you have been so missed in blogland!

    Yes, I think most people love fall, but not winter. What can I say? I must have been a penguin in a past life because I LOVE being cold.

    And you're right, there is something so energizing about fall and the colors are breathtaking!

    "It's been snowing where my older son is (in Minnesota) and we're still in t-shirts in the afternoons."

    OMG, no kidding? Well, if I don't move to South Dakota, I should consider Minnesota, HA! I remember watching the Mary Tyler Show, which took place in Minnesota, and recalled how it was still snowing on Easter!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope all is going well with the property. Can't wait to read and see all about it.

    Have a super weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ron, You captured some great fall colors in the city of Brotherly Love! Seeing the photo of Independence Hall, the John Barry statue and the city squirrels made me realize HOW long it’s been since I was in Philly as I did enjoy my brief years there. Yes, you are right about this fall Weather and even here in New England, which is famous for its autumn colors, the weather has been unseasonably warm with temps in the 70s last week and folks wearing sandals, shorts, and t-shirts. I want to be wearing fleece, warm socks, and long sleeves!

    It has also snowed in Some parts of NH and next week we are taking an overnight getaway to one of those places, so maybe I will see at least a dusting of white flakes. Of course, I will share online. BTW a blogger friend living in ND also sent snow pics.

    The baby squirrel was a real cutie and sure that your furry friends enjoy those treats.This is off course, and a bit irreverent, but if you want a laugh, check out Tom Leher (spelling?) on YouTube with a parody called “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park.” It’s unkind to the pigeons, but funny.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey there D!

    Okay, first I have to say, thank you for sharing the parody, it was HILARIOUS! And it made me recall living in NYC and walking through Central Park, while the pigeons would literally fly in your face as you walked by them OMG...it was so annoying.

    That's right, I keep forgetting you used to live here. Independence Hall/Park is one of my favorite areas to hang out because not only do I love the history, but it's such a beautiful area of Philly; not far from Society Hill and Old City.

    "... even here in New England, which is famous for its autumn colors, the weather has been unseasonably warm with temps in the 70s last week and folks wearing sandals, shorts, and t-shirts. I want to be wearing fleece, warm socks, and long sleeves!"

    Thank you, me too! I know I'm in the minority, but I really enjoy the colder weather because I feel so much better than when it's hot. I feel as though my body functions better --- I sleep better, I think better, and I feel more creative.

    Looking forward to seeing some photographs of the snow from your overnight getaway!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super Sunday!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow, Ron. Looks like some pretty nice colors to me! I especially like your first photo; the juxtaposition of the colorful leaves with the black and white gritty urban landscape. Well done!

    I hate to break it to you, but we got a lot MORE snow overnight. Maybe don't read my latest post, lol...

    You'll get yours soon. I know it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks, Mark! I did bump up the color a bit on these photographs to enhance them. The color we've gotten is good, however, it's in very small clusters and sporadic throughout the city.

    "I hate to break it to you, but we got a lot MORE snow overnight. Maybe don't read my latest post, lol..."

    Oh that's right, RUB IT IN, you beast! Only joking. But not really LOL!

    Please send some my way, okay? If we don't get a better winter than we had last year (which was a big ZERO), I may be moving to South Dakota!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome week!

    X to you and Tara

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ron, this is what I truly miss about no longer living in the north east. You just don't get this kind of seasonal change in Florida. To me, the color change you are getting looks bright and beautiful! I love the picture of the baby squirrel, what a little cutie. And that's another thing, the squirrels up north are much more fluffier than the ones here.

    Wonderful post, Ron! Your last photo, couple with the quote is so beautiful and touching. I believe that too! xo

    ReplyDelete
  22. Denise, I know exactly how you feel because that how I felt moving back here after being gone for 20 years. I didn't realize how much I missed the change of seasons; particularly Autumn and Winter. It's funny because since I post this, we've had a bit more colder weather, so I noticed, today, that the trees seem more vibrant. I also enhanced some of these photographs when I edited them by adding a bit more color.

    Isn't that baby squirrel the cutest thing you ever saw? And I agree, the squirrels here are fluffier/chubbier than the ones in Florida. Must be all that heat that keeps them slim LOL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a grrrrrreat week!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  23. These are fabulous photos! And I just knew you'd include a squirrel or two in the shots. Our Autumn was not spectacular, but it was just enough to satisfy my soul. And, yesterday we had a dusting of snow! So, you could move to middle Missouri and still be a city-boy! 🤣 The red maple (oak?) you've featured is stunning and I love the closing quote. I fear for our nation and hope we can rise after falling so far from what our founding fathers intended us to be. Take care and enjoy the season. X

    ReplyDelete
  24. Aw....thank you, Lisa! :)

    "And I just knew you'd include a squirrel or two in the shots. "

    HA! I just couldn't resist!

    I know, your Autumn has been stunning! OMG...snow? I'm so envious, being that's it's still in the mid-70's here and very, very humid. Please send some of that cold and snow my way.

    "So, you could move to middle Missouri and still be a city-boy! 🤣 "

    True!

    " I fear for our nation and hope we can rise after falling so far from what our founding fathers intended us to be."


    I totally understand your feelings because I feel that way at times myself; especially living in Philadelphia with all the American history staring me in the face. However, I do believe we will rise. I truly do.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the season!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  25. Really GREAT shots, Ron! Autumn is my favorite season as well. You really captured its beauty! Love the pictures of the squirrels!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you, Daniel! :) Isn't Autumn the BEST? We just recently got some colder weather, so it's feeling (and looking) more like the season.

    I adore squirrels!

    Hope you're enjoying a great week. Thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ron, I wanted to stop back and say, how are you enjoying this suddenly turned colder weather? I'm loving the cold, but the rain I could do without. Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  28. LOVIN' it, Elaine! It finally feels like AUTUMN!!!

    And, honestly? I don't mind the rain at all. It's the perfect weather for making some nice minestrone soup with some bread and olive oil!

    Have a great weekend, my friend! X

    ReplyDelete
  29. Happy Halloween, Ron! xo

    ReplyDelete
  30. Happy Halloween to you too, Denise!

    Today is the perfect weather for Halloween. It's really cold, but the sky is bright blue and sunny. I've been out all day taking photographs.

    Have a great rest of your weekend and don't forget to turn your clocks back.
    X

    ReplyDelete

I moderate all comments before publishing. Thank you for stopping by.