Sauced In New York Sometimes the food is in the sauce, sometimes we are
I was out walking the dog the other day, and couldn’t keep myself from dragging her to a stop, pulling out my cell phone, and snapping this shot. Most leaves had turned to brown, otherwise known as fodder for my mildly obsessed husband’s mulching mower. This tree on the neighbor’s lawn was sporting vivid shades of red that I had not seen yet this season.
And then there was Sandy. Wind. Rain. Flooding. Exit please, Ms. Sandy.
As difficult as it may be to prepare for winter, as dull and gray as the countryside might seem, there are, in fact, a few exciting discoveries to be had.
I love this time of year for the glimpses behind the summer-scenes, only possible once the trees are bare. The summer cacophony of birds begins to make sense.
Our birds are smart enough to avoid building homes in the Silver Maple trees on our front lawn, trees that are entirely susceptible to winds, trees that are brittle and often deposit branches after snow or winds. In contrast, the trees on the side and in the backyard expose hidden homes, clumps of leaves that never fall, clumps of leaves woven into the branches.
When impending winter melancholia threatens, take the time to look closely at your soon-to-be-snow covered landscape. Discover where the birds spend their summers. Bare trees uncover aviary condominiums and suburbs, and sparsely populated winged areas.
And get out your heavy blankets. Here we go….
