how much I hate pine needles? On the trees
they are quite nice. Pretty, even. If only they would be content to stay where they belong. But no, they must fall
to the ground. Everywhere. They fall on the ungroomed areas of the yard, and that’s okay. But then they also fall on the groomed areas – or those that are meant to be groomed. Then they must be raked into piles and disposed of. That’s when I really do not like pine needles. I could learn to make baskets from them, I suppose – the supplies would be free. And endless, I think.
that I’m in fall mode?
where I would like to stay for, oh, another month at least.
that I am not ready for the white stuff that falls as I type these words?
This is a picture from a past winter, so no, we do not have this accumulation of white stuff just yet. But it’s trying. And I resent that it’s trying. Not yet. Another month, it might be okay. Or not. But it could wait, let me find out if in another month I would be ready. Right?
that on good days I’ll see a rainbow?
And on really good days, there will be a double rainbow.
that on good days, the sun rises over the hill to the east in a blaze of glory?
that on those days, I’m reminded of the beauty of the world? Of the changing seasons, which I love – despite the fact that I do not always love the by-products of those seasons.
Some days I have to remind myself that everything has a purpose. Each season has a reason.
But myself says I don’t have to like all of the parts of the seasons. Myself says we could compromise, Mother Nature, Old Man Winter, the Purveyor of falling pine needles and the rest of us? Couldn’t we? Couldn’t we just have it my way for a year? Or two? Or more?
And now I must go bake – I will bake a chocolate chip pumpkin cake – because it is all-things-pumpkin season, you know, and because chocolate makes everything better. And I will bake a bread pudding, because it seems like a good idea. I will bake these things for our neighborhood potluck dinner tonight.
Despite the pine needles on the ground that have not gotten raked because the white stuff started falling from the sky. Too soon.
Wanderings of an Elusive Mind 
There is nothing like chocolate and a neighborhood potluck to take away the cold sting of winter. We are having a rare cold snap of below freezing weather in Seattle. I have my hanging baskets living in the tub until it passes, so that the hummingbirds will still have their breakfast joint to come to. Wishing you rainbows, and sparkling conversation, and maybe even a glass of sparkling wine tonight, Carol!
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I’m sure that white stuff is not too far into the future, just right around the corner!
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Yes, it certainly is all things pumpkin time. I think I will turn orange soon from all the pumpkin (and winter squashes). Adding chocolate is an excellent idea, methinks. Beautiful images, wonderful words, and a lovely post, all in all. Hoping your potluck dinner is bringing you much joy. 🙂
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My pine needles are poke-y, but I don’t get so many of them that it’s necessary to rake.
I’m sorry that the snow caught up to you, and before Christmas at that. But I think pumpkin cake and bread pudding are a sound remedy. Wanna pass some this way?
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Carol — Your neighborhood potluck landed right-side-up with YOU bringing those mouth-watering desserts! Chocolate chip pumpkin cake and bread pudding. Oh me. Oh my!
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I think I do remember you mentioning your dislike for pine needles before, Carol! Isn’t it funny though, you are wishing for another month of autumn, while here I am, wishing for just a little bit more cooler weather before the heat sets in…..but yes, everything has its purpose.
I’m sure you will enjoy the neighborhood pot luck night….and your contributions sound heavenly!
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I agree – the snow got a bit ahead of itself this season. We woke to a light coating Friday morning – thank goodness it disappeared quickly, but I hope it is not a harbinger of things to come. The month has been mild so far for November but I’m starting to think that Mama Nature and Old Man Winter are beginning to conspire!
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Hmmm, I think you’ve mentioned pine needles once or twice….! 🙂 Have a wonderful time at the potluck dinner. I just made some chocolate zucchini bread…for Peanut to snack on, of course.
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