When we got up this morning, the outdoor thermometer said 38 degrees. There were a few patches of light frost in the lower areas but I am hoping that the tomato and herb plants survived. They are on the side of the house on a slope, so I think that the colder air might have slid right past, down to the lake.
Steaming lake
The pond was steaming profusely, so I went and got the camera for a few pictures before it burned off. Sure enough, if I had waited even half an hour, it would all have been gone. While I am glad the excessive heat and dryness of the summer has passed, I hope we have a long, mild fall. And a short, mild winter for a change. The past few winters have been quite cold and snowy and I think we all could do with a break. The wildlife seems to be hiding out lately. I have seen only a few deer in the evening along with the usual squirrels. Surprisingly we have a few mink living in the vicinity. We see them on occasion, often just when I start to wonder if someone has illegally set traps here and gotten them. They are so much fun to see – aways a surprise and never for long. I usually see them on my way out along the drive and never when I have my camera. They look like the ferrets in the pet store, only minky brown of course.
It hasn’t gotten cold enough in the house yet to to turn on the furnace and since it is supposed to get back up into the 70’s this week, I am determined not to turn it on yet. It is supposed to be clear every day so the house should stay warm with the radiance of the sun, even without the furnace going on.
Ruth's Artwork 
Oct 03, 2011 @ 09:28:40
WOW! 38 degrees? That makes me shiver, I just came from 86 degrees in Boca Raton. All truth I am looking forward to that crisp fall air of New England though.
Oct 03, 2011 @ 09:53:33
Makes me shiver too, Patty. My favorite season is spring, partly because it means winter is over and for the flowers.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 14:00:23
Gorgeous lake scene! We get mists in our fields that look so pretty in the mornings.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 22:41:09
I never get tired of looking out at the lake. It is a couple of hundred yards below us. We often get a nice breeze going up and down the hill for natural cooling and the cold air sinks below us for a few extra days frost free in the fall. All of the local wildlife seem to like it too all four seasons of the year. I’ve seen some pretty interesting things including bald eagles, a doe walking past a coyote, and the famous doe stalking the great blue heron episode.
Oct 12, 2011 @ 13:38:50
I am not looking forward to winter and have enjoyed the warmth of this last week, Ruth. Last winter was harsh and so was our summer. Beautiful photo this post!
Oct 13, 2011 @ 17:06:25
I totally agree. I hope it’s a short winter for a change. Not that it pays any attention to me, though.