October Colors

Sunset on October 3rd

10/1/23

It's hard to believe it's October already. I spent an hour or two mowing the front lawn which was very tall. The mower almost became overwhelmed, but I managed to get the job done. Last mow of the year dare I hope?

I went to the bike trail for a quick 20 miles and realized what a mistake to go on a Sunday. I'm truly tired of crowds and the trail was crowded with people getting out to enjoy the weather. I don't mind that, but the lack of trail manners is appalling. Groups of pedestrians just stopping their walk to chat right in the middle of the trail. Bikers riding 4 abreast and not pulling into single file when a rider is coming the other way. These are not young people either, they are old enough to have a sense that they are not the only people on the planet. I'm glad my bike has a bell, which I used a lot, but to little effect sometimes. I'm done ranting now.

Just saying it's genetics, not meteorology.

10/2/23

Harlem Valley Rail Trail

I believe we are in Indian Summer as the skies are blue, winds are minimal, and the temperature is in the high 70's with 80's forecast for tomorrow. I hit the Harlem Valley Rail Trail with a group of friends and soaked up all the fall colors. We had lunch at the Oakhurst Diner in Millerton, a favorite stop on the trail.

Sue Ellen and Kathy.

Our little group - Rachel, Jim, Kathy, Esther, Sue Ellen, me.

We have a couple more days of summer weather to look forward to so I've been taking advantage of the warmth while trying to stay out of the sun - not easy. The flowers in the garden that have longevity are the dahlia, the marigold, and the anemone.

The garlic is planted as I'm winding down and pulling up the rest of the garden. The waning hours of daylight have definitely inhibited the growth of my salad greens. I guess it's time to get the grow lights out and set up shop indoors in the next month or so.

10/4/23

I went to a wake this afternoon which was sobering. My neighbor's son passed away suddenly at age 41. Just a very sad situation.

After that I drove to Patty's for a craft night. I used to dabble in crafts in my 20's and 30's, but haven't done anything in a long while. We ModPodged some oyster shells as ornament and 2 women made wreaths. We had dinner and wine as well, with lots of laughter. Several of us have elderly parents we try to help, so it's nice to commiserate.

My first attempt at ModPodge scallop shells.

A partially finished fall wreath.

Getting just the right angle.

10/6/23

I'm at my Mom's now for the weekend to keep her company and help out. I bought her the Prince Harry book Spare, which she is now too immersed in to chat, so I just got busy blogging. It's going to be a rainy day tomorrow, but hopefully I'll get to ride my bike and hit the 900 mile mark sometime this weekend.

2023 Biking Challenge (1000 miles and 2+ rides per month)

Jan: 1/8 - 18 miles; 1/29 -12 mi

Feb: 2/14/- 14 mi, 2/15 - 16 mi, 2/20 - 21 mi

March: 3/21 - 14 mi, 3/31 - 11.5 mi

April: 4/4 - 20 mi, 4/27 - 15 mi

May: 5/9 - 20 mi, 5/11 - 15.1 mi, 5/14 - 19 mi, 5/21 - 30.1 mi, 5/26 - 7 mi, 5/27 - 8 mi, 5/28 - 20 mi

June: 6/3 - 20.3 mi, 6/6 - 15 mi, 6/8 - 15 mi, 6/9 - 23 mi, 6/14 - 15 mi, 6/15 - 21 mi, 6/16 - 10 mi, 

6/22 - 10 mi

July: 7/8 - 30.25 mi,  7/17 - 11 mi, 7/20 - 20.25 mi, 7/22 - 30 mi, 7/26 - 18.1 mi, 7/28 - 10 mi

August: 8/2 - 16.5 mi, 8/5 - 33.8 mi, 8/9 - 7.7 mi, 8/12 - 6 mi, 8/13 - 13.7 mi, 

8/18 - 20.1 mi, 8/20 - 34 mi, 

September: 9/8 - 26 mi, 9/12 - 17.6 mi, 9/14 - 21 mi, 9/20 - 21.4 mi,  9/21 - 26.7 mi, 

9/22 - 14.5 mi, 9/25 - 30.4 mi, 9/28 - 24 mi

October : 10/1 - 20.1mi, 10/2 - 26 mi., 

Total Distance: 870.1 miles