Autumn Past

I haven't blogged in some time now, except for the occasional photo and one- liners sent from my cell phone on my moblog, calgaltravels.blogspot.com. This past summer we moved our family of six twice. It was incredibly painful, the economy hit our family hard, really hard, but...that's another story- you'll just have to read the book! :) Now that we have settled down and I have recovered, I am back to blogging! I really wanted to share with you my photos of autumn in Sonoma County, which is in Northern California (for those of you who might not know where I live). I love how the hot summer days here turn to cool, breezy autumn days, such a welcome relief! In October we had two, 100 degree weeks back to back, but we still managed to pull it off, "Thank you God!" I lived in Ohio through my teen years and what I miss most were the spectacular autumns. Californians experience fall but you might have to hunt it out! I have found some favorite neighborhoods and parks where I like to walk my dog Goldie and take in all the beauty. I find myself collecting brilliant yellow and gold leaves, fiery red and orange burnished oak leaves, acorns, berries, and like a kid, pick up the giant leaves bigger than my 24 inch TV screen and bring them home to wave and show off to my family. Here are some pictures I took on my morning walks.

Lake Sonoma

California listen up-we are no longer in a drought. Recently we checked out Lake Sonoma on the Yorty Creek end of the lake by Cloverdale. The lake was brimming right up to the grassy area covering most of the sandy beach! We are forecast to get even more rain this coming weekend which for me just means, more beautiful water in my favorite lake in Sonoma county. As I walked down the pathway to the beach I passed a fisherman who held up two lovely fish on his string. One, a sunfish big and juicy, the other a trout! This time of year if you are lucky you'll catch a trout because the water is colder in the lake. Usually it is considered a warm water lake given our mild climate and the warm springs that feed the lake so trout are found closer to the dam on the other side of the lake and swim deep. A couple of kayakers were paddling along the shoreline and a fly fisherman was practicing his cast on the lakes edge. This summer the beach will be packed with sunbathers and the lake full of happy kids swimming. Camping and boating on the lake will be fabulous as well. So yes,Cloverdale is a cool town having been recently named one of the 21 Coolest Small Towns in America and the lake is full!

Sonoma County Winter in Wineland

Here we are in the middle of winter in wine land yet signs of spring are popping up all around. The wild mustard plants are getting ready for their starring spring debut. The grape vines are still in their dormancy period but storing up nutrients for a a great display of grapes and leaves and good wine sure to come later!I took a walk with my dog Goldie down this picturesque country lane and here are some of the shots I took. Enjoy!~