falling for fall
I’m saddened by the fact that summer is coming to an end on the Canadian Prairies. But grateful that I don’t live in Calgary, Alberta. They had snow yesterday! Yes, that was snow on September 8, 2014. Here in Manitoba, things are beginning to cool down, but hopefully … we don’t see any of the white stuff for quite some time to come.
It’s funny that I came across this photo today. It was taken on Matlock Beach back on October 1, 2011, but I was wearing the same jacket and slacks today by coincidence!
I really do love fall when the leaves start to change colour, we hear the geese honking as they fly by overhead on their way to warmer climes, and the harvest of the summer season is now in full bounty. To celebrate that, and the bounty and wonders of the new season that is upon us, I’ve decided to make this post a travelogue of falls gone by. I hope you enjoy the colours of fall, and will share some of your own reflections of the change in season, and what you most like about fall. Cheers!
I was enamoured by the stunning beauty of this unique pumpkin I saw at the Petersfield Farmers’ Market last weekend.
A multitude of pumpkins at the Byward Market in Ottawa, Ontario, October, 2005.
This is the incredible view we had from our room at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, September, 2012.
Whoa! Yes, that is a very unique pumpkin, in deed! And from what you said, I’m very happy not to be living in Calgary, either!! Snow so soon?! Oh no! I live in Munich, Germany, and the weather hasn’t been great, but now Oktoberfest is coming so I can already see the sun and last bit of warmth coming! I’ve lived in Germany for 5 years now and have never seen an Oktoberfest with bad weather 😀
Welcome to the blog, Dana, and thanks for your comment.
The snow in Calgary has already melted. They had 2 freak storms earlier this month, but seem to be back into the swing of temps in the low 20’s C for the remainder of this week (just as we are having in Manitoba.) That’s the thing about the transitional seasons! Sometimes they throw us an unwanted or unexpected curveball!
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
Thx so much for joining the conversation, Judy, and for sharing that amazing link. Ontario does indeed offer visitors some incredible fall colours to enjoy. What a terrific idea it is to have an online guide that alerts potential visitors to the colours of the season! I’m surprised that more regions don’t offer that same insight!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…award winning author
If anyone is headed to Ontario, the 2014 Ontario Parks’ fall colour report is now live. The report covers leaf changes in provincial parks across Ontario. Word is this year’s colours will be some of the best the province has seen in years. http://www.ontarioparks.com/fallcolour
Boomergirl (@boomergirl50) recently posted…A Montreal weekend
Great photos as usual. I am not ready for Fall. Last Winter was a long one and Summer seems to have been all too short. I do enjoy the colors though.
I know what you mean, Cheryl. I totally agree that this summer was far too short! Here’s hoping we have a nice long fall and an easy winter (if indeed winter has to come.) 🙂
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
You are probably a couple of weeks ahead of us in New York. What a beautiful season and you did a great job of capturing the beauty!
Irene S. Levine recently posted…Crystal Cruises caters to late risers
Glad you enjoyed the post and pics, Irene. And yes, I think we’re ahead of you (and even of ourselves!) this year as the weather this past week has definitely been cooler than usual for the first half of Sept.
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
In Sweden we have Indian summer but fall is around the corner. Am grateful I don’t live Calgary. Snow this time of year is really awful:-)
Catarina recently posted…How do you network on social media?
Hi Catarina: We may get some “Indian Summer” here in Manitoba as well. There certainly have been fall days in years gone by that we’ve had very mild weather. But with climate change, things are now so unpredictable. We haven’t had frost yet, but it’s certainly come close. Cheers, and thx for stopping by.
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
I do enjoy the fall season and the colors in New England are usually pretty spectacular. That giant pumpkin was pretty unusual, do you know what it is called? And of course always good to see a shot of the smiling blogger-makes it so much more personal Doreen. I have to do more of that. Not looking forward to the cold weather, but I will enjoy these few months.
alison recently posted…Grilling Like a Pro on Meatless Monday
Hi Alison: Yes, I understand that travel themed around ‘Fall Colors’ is very popular in New England. Anywhere with lots of maple trees gets the best colours and Vermont does make some fine maple syrup. The ‘warty pumpkin’ is something that is gaining popularity and has resulted from years of cross breeding pumpkins with warty gourds. They really are quite fascinating, and brilliantly orange!
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
Hi Doreen – I love looking at photos of the colors, but I’m not a fan of the colder weather. Having spent 35 years in Minnesota, it was time to move on. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of “sweater weather.” Someday, we’ll return to it…
Betsy Wuebker | PassingThru recently posted…Top 10 Vienna Attractions for First Timers
Hey, Betsy. I didn’t know you were from MN! Yes, fall colours are certainly lovely but I, too, could do without what follows. Lucky you for escaping.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…award winning author
I am currently looking for somewhere nice to view the foliage. I live in Florida and palm trees don’t turn red and gold. I miss the seasons and love the photos you posted. Enjoy the fall colors 🙂
Michelle recently posted…Asha Mshana’s Vocational School Making a Difference in Tanzania
Hi Michelle: You will find lovely fall foliage in most parts of Canada beginning in October. And I hear that Vermont is really a nice place for fall colors as well. Upstate NY (Hudson Valley) is beautiful, too!
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
I love fall, it’s by far my favorite season. That said, early September is a little too soon. Here’s wishing you a bit of Indian summer.
The GypsyNesters recently posted…A Visit to a Weaving Cooperative in Peru
Absolutely! We’re all hoping the weather gods give us a break and keep the temperatures warm and cosy until at least after a Hallowe’en. Th x for dropping by the blog.
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
I have never really embraced Fall, because it means the end of Summer. However, like you, I do find myself noticing when the leaves start to turn. When I know that the warmth of Summer is gone at last, I can usually let go a little and enjoy the Fall… and pumpkin spice lattes.
Tracie Howe recently posted…Riding the Rails: Amtrak Cascades – Seattle to Vancouver B.C.
For sure, Tracie! Fall definitely does introduce a whole new range of flavours! Gotta loved those pumpkin spice lattes. 🙂
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
In the Seattle area fall can be brilliant or as dull and gray as the Navy ships that visit our various military ports here. Luckily we’ve had sun this year which has highlighted all that is good about the changing season and its colors. A great post and fun to see a part of your world!
Jackie Smith recently posted…Travel IS a Lifestyle
Thanks, Jackie. I’m hoping to be in Seattle in just a few weeks, so will look forward to seeing what the weather has in store for me!
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
I’m from Saskatoon, so enjoyed seeing a familiar picture. Loved the pumpkins, too. Not thrilled about winter coming, though.
Wandering Carol recently posted…Dumb Blonde Moment at TIFF
Thx for your comment, Carol, and welcome to the blog! I think this is your first visit? I hope you’ll subscribe and become a familiar face here.
I didn’t know you are from Saskatoon! It’s such a lovely city. And, yes. The thought of winter – no matter which Canadian city we live in – is not too attractive in my opinion. We’ll be spending a month in BC this winter as a break from the severe cold. Not as great as MX, but definitely better than MB!
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
We lived in Montana and Idaho for several years and I had mixed feelings about fall, especially since it signaled that a long winter was approaching. However, my favorite things were the turning of the leaves, great crisp,fall apples and raking the yard as well as eating some of my favorite comfort foods (that I miss like crazy in Latin America!) like split pea soup with ham and pumpkin pie. Loved the photo of all the pumpkins!
Anita @ No Particular Place To Go recently posted…The Heartland of Panama and The Gringa of Guararé
Thx for your comment, Anita. OMG. You’ve reminded me that raking season will soon be upon us. The leaves have not yet changed colour, although it is slowly starting. But they say there is a chance of frost tonight! So that may expedite the change very quickly. Interesting how folks living in warmer climes do miss their comfort foods. For someone in St. Lucia that I was visiting, it was maple syrup. So I was happy to bring him a bottle of our finest when I visited. Cheers!
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
Fall in San Francisco usually means nice weather. I especially enjoy October here, when we often have an Indian Summer (I hate to be out of town for that!).
Carole Terwilliger Meyers recently posted…Great Sleeps: Hanalei Colony Resort & Good Eats: Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant, in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii
I love experiencing the different seasons in different places, Carole. Upstate NY certainly showed me some amazing colours when I visited there in Oct one year, but those pics have not been converted to digital and I was unable to share. One of these days, I’ve got to get all my slides converted to digital. I was in San Fran last Sept (end of month) but don’t recall any fall colours. Lovely nonetheless. Thx for dropping by.
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
Thanks for sharing those beautiful autumn scenes, Doreen. It’s starting to look like that in Burnaby also. I soooo enjoy the fall season. The air has a different feel to it this time of year. I love being surrounded by the fall colors — and I enjoy wearing them, too! I always hope for a fall season that lasts till after Halloween! It’s especially nice if the kids get to go trick-or-treating in nice weather, and it makes it more enjoyable to hand out treats, too. 😉
Esther recently posted…Sunface – Dedicated to Emberlyn
Thx for your comment, Esther. I didn’t realize you had fall colours in Burnaby! I know there isn’t much of that in greater Vancouver, but perhaps Burnaby is of a slighter higher elevation and that makes the difference. Definitely will be hoping that things warm up next week as the forecast is predicting (back into the low 20’s C) and grateful we didn’t get the terrible weather that has hit Calgary (for a second time!) this week.
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
I have mixed feelings about the fall. This summer has been too short for me and I hate it coming to an end. Fall also signals that much colder weather is on its way. But I love the crispness in the air, the colours, the produce, and the sense of newness as fall activities and programs start up.
Me, too, Donna. I always have loved fall for the reasons you mention. But as I am definitely NOT a fan of winter, I know it’s just around the corner. Summer was definitely far too short this year! I’m looking forward to meeting you next weekend at the Chocolate Dinner at McNally’s! It’s another sold-out event, so try and arrive well before 6 pm to choose your spot.
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
Here in the Netherlands our summers are quite mild, and, for that matter, so are our winters. So for now fall hasn’t really arrived: it’s in the low 20’s (that’s 70 degrees Fahrenheit or so) this week, which is where it stays most of the summer. We have beautiful falls if it doesn’t happen to rain a lot, but if there’s a lot of rain, then the leaves just go straight from green to brown. I pretty much all year round miss warmer weather; I think I was meant to live in the tropics.
Rachel recently posted…the stress of airline pricing
You and me both, Rachel! I was definitely meant to live in the tropics, and so hope I will achieve that goal soon. Thx for dropping by.
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
Ah Autumn (or Fall as you call it) will always be one of my favourite seasons.
The start of delicious winter vegetables as they begin to come into season, then there is the colour!
Stunning stuff!
Chris recently posted…A tale of two cities
Agreed, Chris. I do love the bright colours of fall (autumn) as orange is one of my favourite colours, and we certainly see a lot of orange in the fall, with the leaves, and the bountiful produce.
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
Doreen — I’ve always admired the grit of Canadians in the face of your daunting winters. Our last winter was awful, too, but we’ve had a gorgeous summer. I’ll heading to Florida in November for a week and soon the Canadian “snowbirds” will be following for the winter in search of warm weather!
Jeannette Paladino recently posted…If the Fortune 500 Don’t Have a Social Media Strategy, Should You?
Oh, wow, Jeannette! Where in FLA will you be in Nov, and when? I’ll be in Miami Nov 21-25 for the Miami Book Fair, the International Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, and investigating some awesome chocolate.
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
Fall sort of started early for us. Mike was picking grapes by mid-August. Here in Southern California, September is usually our hottest month. We did get a rare rain shower yesterday ( after I’d hung out the laundry), but it was the remnants of a hurricane passing through. Lots of warm, very wet air.
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Hi Anne Louise and welcome to the blog!
September is usually a lovely month here in Manitoba. But somehow, the cold air blew in and we’re hoping it will blow out as quickly as it arrived. It’s too early to be wearing a jacket! Please send some of that warm weather up here!
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
I am always grateful for fall and the comfortable weather, but missing summer and the soaking heat of the sun. As I get older, each season seems to arrive too fast. The Utah mountains are starting to show colors and it’s amazing to see.
Neva @ Retire for the Fun of it recently posted…My Greek Lover for a Day – OPA
Hi Neva and thanks for your comment. Yes, I remember my father commenting on how the seasons seem to cycle so much faster as we age. And now that I’m middle aged myself, I completely concur! However, I was dumbfounded by the Manitoba winter of 2013-2014 which was confirmed as the worst on record since 1873! Believe me … that one didn’t go by nearly fast enough!!!
And yes, I recall the lovely seasonal colours of Utah. It’s been far too long since I’ve been there to enjoy them.
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
I live in Calgary and admit to being a tad depressed watching the snow fall yesterday. It’s almost all gone but the warmer weather isn’t due back until the weekend. I am still looking forward to some larch viewing in the Rocky Mountains at the end of September and I do like the reprieve from the garden.
Leigh recently posted…Hiking the Spirit Sands & Devils Punch Bowl Trails near Brandon, MB
Hi Leigh: You obviously have a more resilient spirit than I do. It hit me like a brick wall today when I felt that cool wine and had to wear a jacket for the first time this season. I enjoyed summer so much I wished it would never end. But the good thing is that I’ve got several trips planned over the next few months, and so no matter what winter throws me, I think I’ll have the courage to make it thru to spring. 🙂
Doreen recently posted…falling for fall
Hi Susan, and thanks for being the first to comment on the post!
Yes, I guess you (in CA) don’t get the same fall colours as we “up north.” Summer was far too short and too fast this year here! I can only hope the winter will be equally as fleeting.
Doreen recently posted…award winning author
Wish summer was coming to an end in California….it has been a hot and dry one. We’d even welcome some of that snow! :). Love the changing colors of fall in your photos.