I have to say it has been wonderful to experience my first REAL fall here in Decorah. Autumn has always been my favorite season, I guess it is because I have always longed to experience cooler weather and the changing of the trees. In Texas, if we dropped from 95 to 85--then fall had arrived! Here in Iowa, we have been experiencing 40s in the morning and 50-60s during the day. Wow! We are actually pulling out all the fleece, jackets, scarves and hats!
God has graciously surrounded us with beautiful trees with leaves of red, orange, and yellow. We even have one in our front yard! People walk by with their cameras and take pictures! Our neighbors have young girls and they came to our yard the other day with bags to collect leaves. When we asked them if they were cleaning our yard for us, they replied, "No--we just want these leaves in OUR yard!" We laughed!
It has been amusing to read the facebook statuses of family and friends back in Texas. Many of the remarks bemoan the fact that fall weather is not arriving. I remember that feeling, and right now, I am loving and soaking in this perfect weather. I know in January, I will be wishing I was experiencing a Texas winter rather than an Iowa one! Iowans say that January is the hardest month. It can get down to 30 below zero--and that is without wind chill. The sun sets at 4:30 p.m. The snow piles up. I am praying right now for strength and a joyful outlook during January!
But, for now, I am relishing the cool, crisp air and watching as God paints in beautiful hues of orange and red all around me. As I mentioned in my last blog, I am taking a photography class. Here are some pictures I have taken around town. Hopefully these photos will capture just a little of the beauty we are enjoying.
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| A look at the Bluffs from the prairie |
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| Dunning's Spring |
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| Daisies in the prairie |
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| Our maple |
We have also been outside quite a bit--Here are some pics in our front yard.
Enjoy the season, everyone!
