Sublime Sunday - the shades of autumn

The trees are only beginning to turn color, so I guess autumn is just getting its feet wet, so to speak. We are in bipolar weather season, when it can change from sun to rain in five minutes or less. Here's the sky over the barn at the farm where the goats are parked.

I turned around and the sky looked like this. Mere minutes later it was pouring, but by the time I got home, the sun was starting to peek back out again.

I have been looking at the dying plants and appreciating the beauty in their decay.

Most of these are weeds, and not considered beautiful when they are in their prime, but I've always thought that weeds are in the eye of the beholder.

I am appreciating every drop of rain that falls, since our spring is still very low, even if it makes the outside chores a little cold and muddy. We've had a lot more rain than usual for September. If we hadn't, the spring would have dried up for sure. As it is, it's limping along and waiting for the rain to seep down and recharge it. Now that the temperature has dropped, less of the rain is evaporating and more is soaking into the ground.

With dampness come the mushrooms, most of which I have no hope of identifying. They are fun to look at, though.

Yesterday morning was cool and crisp. Here's the view from the barn when I was up there feeding the goats. I have always loved the look of the hill when it's shrouded in mist like that.

The clear weather persisted for most of the day, with huge banks of clouds dropping in for a visit and leaving without any fuss. We went over for dinner yesterday with some friends who live right on the river, and the sky cleared up enough for the sun to feel warm on my face, even though the air was still pretty cool. The view from their deck is beautiful and a little distracting. I kept wanting to watch the water instead of the conversation. Fortunately, my friends have the same problem and were not offended.

This morning I woke up to rain and a very chilly house. Today I have to go out and move goats around, which means I will be soaked by the time I get home. Not quite sublime, but something I get used to each time summer says goodbye. I will close with another shot of the ominous sky from the other day. I absolutely love the dark clouds with the sun shining on the scene. It looks apocalyptic but the colors are amazing. Soon enough we will be back to just boring gray from dawn to dark, so I have to appreciate the drama while it lasts.

Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone! Make it sublime!