UPROAD, DOWNSTREAM

Have you ever wondered whether it's some sort of cosmic joke that busy Mondays are often the prettiest days of the week?

It certainly seemed that way to me today, as I've necessarily spent practically all of it either at the desk or running errands…and of course, the weather was simply gorgeous. A couples of hours ago, however—between trips to the post office, library, and grocery—I grabbed the camera and spent a few minutes making photos. Man does not live by responsibility alone…

What drove me over the edge, or in this case, compelled me into a brief photo binge, was nothing more than a couple of views—but oh, my, what views! Spectacular even by autumn-dress standards, though I admit I may be a bit prejudiced.

The first view is of my road, about 500 yards from the cottage. My section, being on the dead-end portion, is paved but narrower, and lacks even a hint of a center divider line or guardrails along the top of the bank overlooking the river. It's also less traveled, and equally wooded. Alas, while there are plenty of leaves hereabouts, most are yellowish-brown or brownish yellow…except for those still green, or greenish-yellowish-brownish. The reason being there are lots of sycamores, hackberries, and boxelders along here, but precious few maples.

On the other hand, the second view is of the river looking immediately downstream from the cottage, which is pretty much a mix of the same three species of trees. Yup, those yellowish-brownish-greenish leaves look mighty lovely given a bit of warm evening light. Or maybe it just my prejudice showing.

Enjoy the views!