Viadoom Dreariness

The rain is pitter pattering outside my window.  My plan was to go walk on the viaduct and take photos from that venerable mid-century highway construction which has contributed to so many breathtaking views of Seattle's waterfront and the distant Olympics. I am waffling, it is pouring now. Demolition started last night. I will miss it but unlike many, it won't put a crimp in my commute.  My world is West Seattle. 

Fall changes are more rapid now. Here are some shots of the backyard, taken yesterday:

 This is a tree that grew as a 'sucker' from a dead tree we had cut down YEARS ago. A neighbor who has since passed away, called it a California Palm. It has thorns on it's trunk and on the underside of the palm-like leaves. The wood is rather soft, almost mealy. At one point, the tree that preceded this one, had a chickadee nesting in a cavity in the trunk. It was fun to watch as it was so close to our deck. Right now, this young tree does it's job of adding shade to my fern garden.   

 The blush of orange over yellow reminds me of peaches.

 The sumac is eye catching and it is complimented by the yellow of the mid-winter fire dogwood. It looks so good you would think I planned it that way! (;

P.S. I did end up going on the viaduct walk! My photos can be seen on my Flickr account. Click herehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/cta/sets/72157627953791792/ It felt good to be part of Seattle's history.

Fall Brilliance

It may take until noon for the sun to burn away the fog but when it does, everything just 'pops' against the blue fall skies. 

Japanese Toad Lily

Autumn Full Moon Maple

Hydrangeas age so gracefully; changing in 
color, each shade more beautiful than the last.

 Fuzzy plumes of cimicifuga lean over the shady path and wave in the slightest breeze.

Knobby seed pods of abutilon replace the yellow flowers of September.

Hardy Fushias beckon to the hummingbirds.

Dainty Japanese Anemones (aka Windflowers) flutter like nervous ballerinas in the corner of the yard.

I thought I lost this 'Joseph's Coat' climbing rose last winter.  Now it is starting to bloom!

The tomato plants are pulled and green tomatoes are in the garden window or wrapped in newspaper to ripen. We ate one squash stuffed with sausage and rice; delicious! The  garden 'to do' list is long every fall. If I just make it my goal to fill the yard waste container every weekend between now and the New Year, I'm doing fine. Coming in November: my chrysanthemums should be blooming!