Quote de jour
"There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same."


With the change of season to spur me on, I'm returning to my "room with a view" series. This is the view of the old sugar maple from the guest bathroom. I began photographing it at regular intervals last year to note seasonal changes. Summer passed in a myriad of greens but the big changes will over the next six weeks or so. This was the view last week. The nights have not been cold enough to change the color of the leaves except for the branch by the swing. Year after year, for seven years I've watched the leaves turn fiery and fall but the winds of change are blowing. This is the longest I've ever lived anywhere and my wanderlust is stirring.  Could this be my last year here? I don't know for certain, but I do know change is the only constant. I strolled with my cat Merlin by this view today, taking note of the changes. He sniffed the crisp air and every earthy bush with a new found ferocity. He's turning fifteen tomorrow, and as a wise old cat he knows a thing or two about change.
By noticing the changes, I'm reminded of the temporal nature of all things. Recent markers include berries from ruby to turquoise, weeds sprouting from a bench in the overgrown 'secret garden, translucent leaves, pokeberries, a feral friend, a bold geranium asking to be let indoors and hostas turning pale pink to russet. What changes have you noticed?