In the Walktober post time frame, fall colors in the Piedmont of North Carolina can mainly be found in the flowers. The leaves don’t begin turning in earnest until November. So, while my sister and her husband have been visiting me for a wonderful ten days, we decided to find a colorful walk at Duke Gardens in Durham. It was a lovely autumn day and I hope I get this post in before the deadline!
(I had never heard of this kind orange before)
AI says that while it is generally not poisonous,
eating it causes an unpleasant taste and can lead to indigestion
(I hope it doesn’t think it made it all the way to Mexico already!)
This was my first Walktober without Tim. He died six days after our last one, and three days after I posted it. I wasn’t sure if I could find it in me to participate this year, but after the family had a memorial dinner to mark one year after his death I felt like taking this walk in his memory this year. I know he would want me to carry on and find some pleasure in the activities we used to share.
These are beautiful photos Barbara and it looks like Summer lives on here, despite it officially being Fall. All the flowers are delicate and so pretty – my favorite is the last photo of the beautiful Monarch and I think you should make a tribute Walktober to honor you and Tim’s last walk together every year. Yes, you are right – Tim would have wanted you to continue enjoying your nature walks and appreciating the beauty around you as long as you are able to do so.
My camera was so happy to be out of its case and free in the lovely autumn sunlight. It was almost like old times, finding things to photograph at every turn. (Came home with 200+ photos to sort through.) The monarch was the last shot and I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to catch it! Even though I was having a good time exploring and even visiting parts of the garden I hadn’t been to before (it’s huge) there was still that tinge of sadness following me that keeps seeping into my life these days.
Barbara, for you and I who are not fans of the extreme heat and humidity that plagued going out on our respective walks all Summer, Autumn is like a breath of fresh air and to find the flowers still blooming, even the vibrant goldenrod alongside the pretty leaves is such a treat. That is such a good feeling to find something at every turn and come home with a camera card crammed with images. That whimsical walk with fun nature finds was my best walk this year. I can imagine that there will always be that tinge of sadness when you recall the walks taken with Tim, especially during this month, the last Walktober, etc. You’ll visit the glacial erratics where Tim climbed up and posed atop a big one and you’ll likely remember that moment with a tear as well.
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A fine memoriam, Barbara. I think Tim would heartily approve and be very proud of you continuing to enjoy the beauty of life. 🙏🏼 💕
Thank you, Eliza. Sometimes I feel his presence when I remember the special times we shared. 🙏🏼 💙
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Yes, he would want you to carry on, and enjoy the beauty of this fall. ❤️. I bet he is with you on the walks, too! Your photos are delightful to peruse……
Thank you, Barbara. I do feel his presence at times and it amazes me how it is possible to hold joy and sadness in my heart at the same time. 💙
A beautiful tribute! Thanks for sharing all these gorgeous photos. The lizard was fun too!
Thank you, Karma! It was lots of fun photographing the anole – I must have taken 15 pictures of it!
Your images are all so beautiful, Barbara. ♥ It’s a beautiful tribute to Tim, and to all the walks you enjoyed with him. Thank you so much for deciding to join in.
Thank you, Robin. 🙏🏼 💙 And a warm welcome back to your hosting of Walktober!
A beautiful walk. Lovely images and your text, Barbara.
Thank you, Rupali. Welcoming you warmly to my blog!
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A beautiful place for a walk. Thank you for sharing it with us all. And thank you for sharing Tim with us too during this reflective time in your life.
Thank you, Dawn. It felt a little surreal going there without him for the first time but it was wonderful to be using the camera and finding nature’s beauty again.
Such a lovely collection of photos and observations on your October Walk. I do love that pink Chrysanthemum, and those asters are gorgeous too. I find the light is special at this time of year, and can see it in your images too. 😃
Thank you, Cathy. I agree with you about the special light this time of year between the equinox and the solstice, perfectly balanced between the dimness of winter and the blinding brightness of summer. My camera just loves mums and asters in that light. 🙂