All the leaves are brown and the skies are gray ...

I was thinking about this very song, “California Dreamin’” by the Mamas and the Papas, as I walked down the driveway to begin my walk this morning. It was chilly and windy - the sky looked dark and somber. Inside my down coat, I visibly shivered and almost scurried back into the warm house, but, it was clear and dry ... so off I went. Even though I’ve met my goal, I’ll try to eke out some more miles, so next year I will have more steps to strive for in my 2017 yearend goal.

Shortly after leaving, I saw a flock of Canada Geese streaking right overhead, their dark bodies looking like silhouettes in the gray sky. As usual, I heard the familiar honking before I saw them, their noisy conversation preceding their arrival by a minute or so.

Most all the leaves were not only brown but swirling around my shoes, and now absent from the trees. I can see the nests of the squirrels and big birds through the bare branches - I wonder if they know their hidey holes are laid bare to the world now?

Though I thought I had all the cold-weather gear I could need to go out this morning, I may have to rummage through the cedar closet and grab a few more woolens. It was months ago, when I took a first pass at grabbing some heavier clothes to keep me warm on my walks on those very brisk days.

Three and a half miles later, I arrived home with red cheeks and as soon as I opened the door, my glasses fogged up and I couldn’t see a thing ... well, I guess we’ve been blessed so far this Fall with fair weather, so I shouldn’t complain too much.

I have to make the most out of the next few days, since the weathermen are forecasting the first significant snow event this weekend. It won’t hurt my feelings if the snowflakes decide to take a hike because it means I will take one of my own in their absence.

In the meantime, a little dreamin’ about California never hurt anyone ...

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray

I've been for a walk on a winter's day

I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A

California dreamin' on such a winter's day.

~From “California Dreamin’” by the Mamas and the Papas

You can catch up on my blog posts before I started blogging at Patch in August 2013 by going here: http://lindaschaubblog.net/