Ice Cometh

 

The bay of Mud Lake has started to ice up.  Winter must be coming like Santa.  Ice runs around the Bay area out to about 50 feet.  The shallow waters and heavy weeds must be helping the freeze up.

Some ducks moving around today, but no geese were seen or heard.  The geese crowd ever got as big as the year before were hundreds or more would be on the lake.  But, I think they have left.

The last of the few remaining birch leaves are on the ground.  Only a few odd stragglers remain, and those on the trees that waited to the very last to turn.  The purple-brown oaks add some color to the bare dark of the barren trees and green needles.  Still beautiful in their mix, especially when the rare sun comes out.

Fall Beauty Thinning

 

The trees are mixed here with some nearing down and some still holding some green to go.  The rain has taken a load to the ground, but the place is still a wonder.

Fall Close Out

 

A lot of leaves are hitting the ground from the birches.  The shore has that yellow of Fall, but inland the ground is turning yellow, more.  Find your spot and look at the full glory of God’s Fall coating.  Itasca looked nice the other day, but past prime.  Just sit on the dock and you have all you would get there. 

Cooling and Damp

 

After a period of iffy rain, we have had a nice set of gentle rains the last few weeks.  Today is the finish of a couple day wet spell.  Wonderful rain over night and before.  Some damage, of course, to the turning leaf viewers.  The rain has brought down some of the early turning trees, but color remains.

There is a lot of speculation on why this year has been so bad for deer and gardens.  Of course every one has their remedy, but still even combinations of those seemed to have failed to keep hungry deer away from the tomatoes.  We had a fine looking garden through the summer then suddenly it was chewed down.  I do note the kohlrabies remained mostly in tact.  But if they hate human odor so much why take a chance on a tomato on the patio quietly growing?  Must really want it, I guess.

I wonder if the grasses and such in the woods suffered from the dryness, leaving the water gardens as targets for the deer in search of moist or tender food?  It has been noted that the State Patrol is cautioning people about deer movement and it is wondered if this is a sign they are on the move in search of tender leaves? 

Rainy Day

 

A rainy day today.  It started with the sun ready to find a path to the sky.  It has been off and on since.  A nice rain, without storminess.  Just what we need.  Wish we had had more, especially before the deer munched away much of the garden crop.

Deer defenses are being considered for next season.  Early calls for air horns, talking pumpkins, and bazookas was quickly laughed away.  Netting, wind chimes, Mil-Organite fertilizer in light aroma filled handfuls, an assortment of different deer repelling plants, and such are being considered.  The top wire only of the electric fence is high on the come back list, but netting and more heavy strings on the electric fence posts are leading the way.

Important is that while we thought it was us, we are hearing how bad a year this was for deer and crops.  Not too bad from the deer’;s side, but they ate well this area in many fields and gardens.  Next year they can find their own like they know how to do.

We are missing last years mighty fine tomatoes hoping the deer liked them all.

Fall Underway

 

The forest is taking on the duller green, autumn look, but the true change of color is some time off.  A walk will show some tiny bursts of yellow to purple among the oaks, but mostly low to the ground.  The geese continue to gather and honking is getting regular.

Indoors Day

 

Some wonderful light rain today.  While outside things would be damp, being at the lake is a state of mind and for those with that in condition there is plenty of inside things to get done today.

The Fed is not going to stop buying bonds so CNBC should have happy people all afternoon.