Sunday Afternoon Rain

Driving home each day I pass this maple tree. Vibrant colour glows, even on a grey day. The carpet of leaves underfoot grows thicker each day, in proportion to the growing visibility of the tree's skeleton. I know I need to be quick if I want any pictures. 

So today, in spite of a constant drizzle, we set out for our walk, camera in hand. Correction: camera in protective case. I snapped photos, admiring the pinkish red of the leaves, paler than I remember from other years, but still so beautiful. More reds along the bog pathway: bog cranberries and blackberry leaves.

As Faith Baldwin says, "Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees." 

In spite of the soggy weather, the trees did burn with colour. As we walked we could almost hear the slurping as trees, grass and ground drank in the much-needed water. 

Perhaps no one is happier for this wet weather than the ducks. The long dry spell left them without a pond to swim in. After a couple of days of rain, the bog pools are filling up. Ducks quack and paddle, utterly content in the rain.

As for us, we arrived home wet, to the savoury scent of roast chicken. Roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed tomatoes, and a gratin with the last of the garden zucchini made for a fine meal. Dessert was apple crisp with custard sauce. Ah, autumn food!

Linking to Mosaic Monday, hosted by Mary at the Little Red House.