An Absence of Red
- September 28, 2010
- Category: Daily Diary
- (13) Comments
The past few nights, a pack of coyotes has ventured down to the house. Their howls pierce my dreams and lure me to the window. “No more time” they seem to be saying. Death is drawing near.” I shiver and return to bed.
And during the day, the trees mimic the howl of the coyotes. Leaves shrivel and drop from the trees. Not much color this year people say; no vibrant reds is the general consensus, kind of drab, too much orange. I agree and complain along with everyone else.
“You have to get out of the house.” Mountain Man says. “Go take a walk in the woods.”
I leave Faeden with his stuffed bear, give him a kiss and tell him I’ll be back soon. Katie Whippet and Logan head eagerly for the door. It feels like a betrayal to be outside with healthy dogs running ahead.
We start up the trail into the woods.
No, there are no reds this year.
But instead beautiful, ancient trees covered in gold.
We hike for miles under golden boughs.
The only sound is the leaves crackling under our feet.
Puddles from the recent rain filled with leaves reflect the trees above them.
And as we emerge from the woods, there it is. Our hillside.
Beautiful, burnished gold.
And there for miles are glorious colors and I see not the absence of red but the presence of the most beautiful colors in the world; golden retriever colors.
Thanks one and all for visiting us.
Thanks for sharing the foliage out your way. Over in Island Pond we have A TON of reds. Its gorgeous. Concord/Kirby is red too! Guess it depends on where you are…
Date: September 28, 2010
We hear the coyotes pretty regularly during the fall and winter months, and it used to bother me, too. Not the sound so much as just the idea of death (as you mentioned). I’ve come to accept them, though, and almost miss their noises during the warmer months when we don’t hear them. I think they’ve come to represent for me the natural cycle of things, which is somehow comforting in its never ending nature.
I’m so sorry about your sweet dog. Enjoy the moments you have left.
Date: September 28, 2010
I love it when you share these walks in the woods with us. They’re so magical…and have an element of something magical in them, too. Sometimes I keep hoping to see a knight and a lady come out from the trees….or a faerie…something…but that’s the beauty of it…:)
Your home is beautiful!!! Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather 
Date: September 28, 2010
Looks like you have some red leaves on the ground and in the distance. It’s fun walking through the leaves. We like seeing the beautiful colors at the park. Hugs to you and your sweet, faithful dog.
Date: September 28, 2010
a beautiful walk, and it sounds like you needed it, mountain man was right.
Sending thoughts of healing and peace your way.
Date: September 28, 2010
What a beautiful walk you had! Sounds like that gentle nudge was just what you needed. OH, the beauty that surrounds you!
Date: September 28, 2010
I see reds in the distance. Gees, I love fall! And your colors are so much further ahead of ours.
Date: September 28, 2010
Your fall looks like our regular fall. We very, very rarely have red. Gosh that was beatiful. I wish I could have gone with you and walk in Vermont. Something to dream about.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Date: September 29, 2010
Beautiful photos. I think I need to go for a walk in the woods, too.
Give Faeden a squeeze for me.
Date: September 30, 2010
Fall in all of it’s glory so perfectly captured through your lens. These shot are beautiful
Date: October 01, 2010
Oh that trail…YOU do know WHAT I am thinking….riding that trail!
Do you ever take you horse on a trail walk…by hand? I do love doing that with Wa mare sometimes.
I bet Faeden could SMELL the nice walk you took(thinking of him the whole time) when you got home!
It is a different season this one…no reds..kinda symbolic.
Kac
Date: October 06, 2010
So so gorgeous!
Date: October 06, 2010
Beautiful post! Those pictures are just gorgeous and you really made me wish I could take a walk on your farm!
Date: October 06, 2010