A dusting of snow and a pinch of fall magic

There is sadness for all the destruction in the aftermath of Irma. So much damage everywhere, power is still out for many, a boil water mandate in Naples, scarce gas, and normal services are not up and running. For us, however, nothing was breached, and while power is still out in Naples, we count ourselves as very, very lucky. Mark is in Miami and I'm at Star Mt. and he'll be checking on Naples in a few days. So many people we know are not in the same situation and our hearts go out to them.

Flap - the clue is the right ear

Isn't it great - Flap appeared outside our window after an absence of 2 months. She did not have any fawns in tow, so I think our theory she's in the latter part of her life is probably true. She looked good and healthy though. I've added it up, since we moved here Flap has had 13 fawns. That's how the deer population becomes large and healthy!

Our first snow dusting. It was 35 degrees in the morning and a spectacular day. A great horned owl hooted at daybreak from the peak of our roof and as I went for my early morning walk elk were bugling  in every direction. Magnificent nature.

We are marching ever closer to the peak of fall color with winter soon to follow. The small creatures will start hoarding food for their winter homes. I am about to take down the remaining hummingbird feeders, always a painful task, since it means the season is done. We have 2 little birds still showing up, all the rest have clearly marched on their path to Mexico. I need to wish these bon voyage...

Deer are still all around us, including visiting the deer spa under our deck. They don't stay however, some unknown signal says get to lower ground before the real winter snow starts. Once it starts, it stays until April.

One of the 200 cows at Star Mt. They don't know but their time here is coming to an end. Our rancher will be picking them up in a few weeks. They are enormous after eating Star Mt. grass all summer. I cannot lie, I will not miss the manure... Happily we have one more round of company(Paul and Sherry) before we shut the house up for many months.Elk hunting and fall color photos will be happening.