Walnut Down...

Today, the huge walnut tree at the back of my garden finally decided to give in to November and drop those brilliant yellow leaves; in a manner of minutes, there was a deep yellow carpet over the entire yard... Beautiful , but...the downside of that? There will be a lot of rakin' going' on tomorrow....(extra) 

The upside of fallen leaves? One can see the birds perching up there on bare limbs! No leafy cover for them....This morning's treat before the fall of the walnut canopy? A pair of hawks perched high up in the locust tree now denuded of its leafy finery..( main) I think it is a Coopers Hawk but cannot be really sure... my Merlin app suggests I need to download more packages! 

And so, the ups and downs of November are upon us...

Today was a good family day though as my brother came out from the city to spend the day with our sister and me.....While out pursuing bargains at consignment shops, the weather took the usual November twist and voila! Ice pellets! Slippery roads!....and judging by the drive home, we convinced my brother to stay overnight and not head back on that dangerous 401 freeway but wait until tomorrow and do it in daylight on dry roads; hence, our visit was extended and relaxed with no need to rush dinner etc. 

The dark cloud that still lingers as the day ends is that carpet of sodden leaves out there and no reassurance of suitable weather in the near future for raking and getting the yard waste bags out for pick-up by the town's deadline!  But my fingers are crossed...