Burnished Gold November Afternoon

Couldn't ask for a more perfect November day than the one we Penns Valley-ites were treated to today. The bright golden sunshine and Indian Summer temperatures lured me outside yet again, and I seized the opportunity to do some more pre-Winter garden and yard maintenance. 
After spending several hours corralling and relocating what seemed like tons of maple and oak leaves, I paused for a little rest and reflection while the Autumn Sunset Gods smiled down on me, painting the land a burnished gold.

“Each golden day was cherished to the full, for one had the feeling that each must be the last. Tomorrow it would be winter.” 
― Elizabeth Enright, The Four-Story Mistake


"I am rich today with autumn's gold,

All that my covetous hands can hold;

Frost-painted leaves and goldenrod,

A goldfinch on a milkweed pod,

Huge golden pumpkins in the field

With heaps of corn from a bounteous yield,

Golden apples heavy on the trees

Rivaling those of Hesperides,

Golden rays of balmy sunshine spread

Over all like butter on warm bread;

And the harvest moon will this night unfold

The streams running full of molten gold.

Oh, who could find a dearth of bliss

With autumn glory such as this!"

-   Gladys Harp