The days keep growing shorter and shorter and the clouds keep getting darker and thicker as we near the end of October in the Finger Lakes. I can’t seem to find any ambition to decorate for Halloween this year although there are plenty of pumpkins and scarecrows for sale at the local nurseries and landscaping stores. I usually buy several pumpkins but since I am the one that has to take them to the landfill when they freeze and turn to mush, I’ll just let the pumpkin farmers keep them for cow feed this year!
Now is a good time in the Finger Lakes to plant shrubs that may have died over the summer as nurseries sell their stock at reduced prices. I have a big box of tulip bulbs in the garage which needs to be planted as soon as my ambition returns. Then there’s my garden which has to be cleaned up and rototilled before the snow flies and the lawn which needs to be fertilized before the winter months. If that “to do” list doesn’t tire you out, my neighbor across the street just put up his snow fence!
I much prefer to take a few quiet walks out in the woods and try to capture some of summer’s fading foliage here in the Finger Lakes. The streams are full of water from the abundant rain that we have been having and the peacefulness of the flowing water helps ease my overloaded mind. I know that I should be home working, but for now, I just want to hear the gentle rush of the water and watch the leaves float down the river….
James R. Bupp
