The Blahs?

     Mid-November is non-flower time.  Okay, there are a few fall crocus here and there.  And some lilac alyssum in a planter is still defying any and all attempts by the frost to kill it--so far.  And the pussy willow by the pond is covered with red buds, some of which have already started to open and reveal their silver blooms.  I guess, it hasn't quite learned yet that winter comes before spring.  And the heuchera keep their color--yes, color--all winter, purple, yellow, red.  And some flowers stay green all winter, such as the Lenten roses, mountain laurel, rhododendron.  So, there is a dab of color here and there, but not much.  Nothing at all like spring, summer, and fall.  Does that leave me with the "blahs" as I walk my acres these days?  Not a chance.
     If I get in an early morning walk, the reunited outlaw gang of Bonnie and Gus join me on my trek.  You should see Bonnie in her winter coat!  Gorgeous.  Whenever I go walking, Gus always comes running no matter how far away he is, delighted to let me pet him.  I'm sure he thinks that's why I go on my walks.  How can you feel blah when you have such furry friends to accompany you on your walks?  Impossible.
     And though it's almost winter, the birds are active.  Cedar waxwings devouring the crab apples.  Robins, that I assume have come from farther North and are on their way to the South, love the dogwood and hawthorn berries, and they don't mind socializing with the waxwings in the crab apple trees.  Snow birds scatter through the woods and wild areas as you approach displaying the subtle black and white "V" of their tail feathers.  A hawk soaring above me screams out his presence to the world below--fearless.  Yes, it sounds exactly like a scream.  A flock of crows in the plowed farm land across County Road 25 are cawing away complaining about everything.  The gold finch, faded but still beautiful--congregate around the bird baths for their daily drinks.  The chickadees and titmice love the evergreen trees--traveling companions it seems, year around.  Some birds that are not "regulars" on Iten's Acres show up this time of year.  I guess they're just passing through looking for a place to spend the winter--pine siskins, evening grosbeak, for example.  Cold weather doesn't decrease the bird activity, and with the trees barren they are actually easier to spot.  Binoculars are as important as "layering" walking the Acres in mid-November.
     There is always, of course, serenity in just being outside walking.  The hands are in the pockets on some days, but the eyes can see much if one is willing to actually look at what's around them.  The clouds, whipped by the winds, are incredible.  Fluffy white on an azure blue canvas or slate gray shapes playing peek-a-boo with the sun--it's calming just to walk and watch them soar; or, to sit in my chair on the hill and take in the ever changing colors and shapes of the clouds.  Eat your heart out Van Gogh!  You can't match God's artistry.
     The starkness of the leafless trees contrasted with the beauty of the evergreens--firs, pines, junipers--is lovely as well.  The bark of the trees, hidden from spring to fall, are distinctive in their own right.  Multi-colored, textured, the papery browns of the river birch, the scars on the deer munched willows, the gnarled bark of the ancient maple--all these are marvelous.  I have a surge of empathy for the 'tree huggers" of the world.
     Even on days when the chilling wind touches the bones, walking Iten's Acres is a joy--in the front, around the pond, through the trees, across the meadow, down the hill, through the paths in the wild area--yes, joyous.  Walk slow.  Enjoy the company of your furry friends, laugh at their antics.  Pay attention to the busyness of the birds, listen to their song.  The coldest wind cannot dim their chorus, still their voices.  Clear the mind.  Meditate on the beauty of the sky's constant transformation.  To be alone on such a day is good for the soul, and we all, believe it or not, need more time alone.  The blahs of November?  No.  Oohs and ahhs are still in vogue walking Iten's Acres.  You'll need a hooded sweatshirt or a fleece jacket, but the walk is lovely and serene and colorful even this time of year.  Oh, and don't forget your binoculars.