The weather turns cool, annual flowers fade and die off, the wind is colder when it blows and shakes the leaves off the trees, a bit at a time and often in a flurry.

Still there can be a few hardy perennials that bloom a little longer, such as my gaillardia that still show a colourful face. Even the blooms on the morning glories lasted longer this year.

last morning glory

arctostaphylos uva ursi (bearberry) in the fall

As leaves turn colour on trees and certain plants, there is a certain beauty. One tree after another down the street pose different colours. Mix all those leaves together and you get almost a carpet of leaves in red, yellow, orange and brown rustling at your feet.

Wildflowers in a meadow show off with their variety of colours too, along with sumach that turns red in the fall.

We bundle up in warmer coats, wear long pants instead of shorts and capris, and pull on hats or headbands and even pull out our mittens.

Walks to the park and around the neighbourhood are still easy and enjoyable, especially with a preschooler along. Listen to what their imagination conjures. For us it was a place to pose and be silly, then the swing at the park was a rocket off to space. And on it goes.

Get out and walk, enjoy the colours and the crisp cooler air and sunshine, when you can.

Wear your mask when you’re in a place you cannot easily keep distance. Connect with others in a way that keeps you and them safe.  A phone call to someone who lives alone is usually a welcome break in their day and it can be for you too.