We can't quite decide here in Eugene whether it is Autumn or late Summer.
Colorful flowers are still blooming in the neighborhood ...
But the squirrels are busy gathering as many acorns as they can.
Skies are smoky some days ...
And bright blue on others.
It's a beautiful time to be in Eugene and we're always grateful to be here, and especially this year. But we are personally feeling very in-between seasons too. It's hard to enjoy beautiful Eugene when we're worried about our winter home in storm-damaged Fort Myers.
So we're thinking we'll spend a shorter time here this year than we'd originally planned. We know there will be lots of work to do at the Canal Cottage. And oh so much in the area that we will miss. The pictures in the Mosaic below are memories of happier years at Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island and Six Mile Cypress Slough. Both are among the many nature areas that are closed because of hurricane damage.
We remain hopeful -- and, no matter what, grateful for the memories.
LINKING this week to the following sharing opportunities. Thank you to the hosts.
MOSAIC MONDAY; NATURE NOTES; THROUGH MY LENS; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; FRIDAY BLISS; and SATURDAY CRITTERS
Hope you are okay.
Posted by: Diane | November 27, 2022 at 09:26 PM
Hello again, just a note to let you know I am thinking of you and hoping all goes well. Also to wish you A Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: DeniseinVA | November 22, 2022 at 01:53 PM
Sallie, I've been thinking of you and finally decided to visit your blog. I'm happy to learn that your FL home didn't sustain terrible damage, though it sounds like there will be a lot of cleanup. Good Luck - stay safe and well.
Posted by: Barb | November 15, 2022 at 12:40 PM
Sallie - I am catching up on posts after our trip to the UK. When we left Montana, it was definitely Autumn - day after day of blue skies and 65-degree temperatures. We returned to Winter! Hope the situation with your canal cottage is not too dire.
Posted by: Angie | November 12, 2022 at 06:47 PM
Hi Sallie
Beautiful fall photos! We have had light snow x2 but it warmed up immediately afterward and all melted. It has been warmer than usual but I heard on the news an Arctic blast may be arriving soon!
Posted by: Pat | November 10, 2022 at 11:22 AM
Beautiful photos! It's definitely Autumn here in Edinburgh, though some flowers are still in bloom.
Posted by: Juliet (craftygreenpoet) | November 09, 2022 at 01:02 AM
Wonderful photos. We went to sleep after a sunny day and woke up to pouring rains. Autumn, you flighty, fickly season, I love you so much.
Amalia
xo
Posted by: handmade by amalia | November 08, 2022 at 12:28 AM
Dear Sally,
unfortunately your photos don't open today, I've tried several times. And I hat Problems to leave a comment on your blog today either. Something is wrong there...
In any case, I am happy with you that you are experiencing beautiful days in Eugene. Gather energies that you will probably need when you go to Canal Cottage...
It's sad that so much has been damaged, houses and nature as well... I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's not TOO bad.
Thank you for your warm words about our farewell to Nina! I wish you a good start into November!
All the best from Austria, Traude
Posted by: Traude "Rostrose" | October 31, 2022 at 12:04 PM
Greetings from Marco Island! I'll post about Florida soon. Your photos didn't open for me today, but I wanted to say hi regardless.
Posted by: Sharon Wagner | October 31, 2022 at 10:33 AM
It's beautiful there but I know how worried you must be for your home down in Florida. Lovely images shared today. Thank you Sallie :) Wishing you only the very best.
Posted by: DeniseinVA | October 27, 2022 at 07:43 PM
Well there you are!! I missed you the past several years and then saw you commented on Margy’s FB.
So I see you are living in Eugene now. Lovely town.
I don’t do a blog anymore just FB now. Hang my hat in Mount Vernon now.
Different email too
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | October 26, 2022 at 10:05 AM
Understandably, Sallie, you are very worried about your FL home and I hope you will be able to return safely and not find too much destruction and damage. The colors you have shown here are lovely and we are also enjoying bursts of color here in New England.
Posted by: Beatrice | October 24, 2022 at 11:31 AM
There are those times in the year that you can enjoy the best of both seasons! Loving your photos :)
Thanks for sharing your link at My Corner of the World this week!
Posted by: My Corner of the World | October 23, 2022 at 03:10 PM
It is the same here...I did send an email to you, I hope you got it..Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Banks | October 22, 2022 at 04:38 PM
Our summer like autumn has been incredible - except for the smoke lately.
Wishing you both a safe journey to your winter home in FL when you do decide to head down that way. I know in the midst of the challenges down there, you’ll find blessings too.
Peace,
Aimee
Posted by: Aimee | October 21, 2022 at 08:22 AM
Beautiful photos! We have had hard freezing temps, which are unusual here this time of year, so everything is dead :( Thanks for linking up.
Posted by: Michelle Keltner | October 21, 2022 at 05:42 AM
Funny how sometimes Nature can't make up Her mind. Beautiful photos!
Posted by: Peter B. | October 20, 2022 at 07:30 PM
Beautiful photos. I like the trees with autumn colours. Bird captures are wonderful too.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Amila | October 20, 2022 at 05:06 PM
Great Autumn shots.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | October 20, 2022 at 02:36 PM
I really feel for you wondering about your winter home. I do hope it has survived. Its so sad at all the damage that Ian brought to so many.
I agree with you about the in-betweens.
Here in the greater Sacramento area we are just beginning to see a bit of color and the temperatures aren't sure what they should be doing. Today it's suppose to be 90F and tomorrow 70F if we are lucky. Guess I have to start throwing a sweater or jacket in the car trunk to be prepared.
Sue
Posted by: Suzan Batz | October 20, 2022 at 12:26 PM
It must be hard for you wanting to g and wanting to stay. Love the coloured trees. The bird pics are great too. Love the light on the white pelicans.
Posted by: Diane | October 19, 2022 at 10:17 PM
Beautiful foliage. We spent many spring break vacations on Sanibel Island. The storm was unbelievably destructive. Hope your Ft Myers home has escaped the worst.
Posted by: Kenneth C Schneider | October 19, 2022 at 03:33 AM
I can understand your indecision. Oregon colors are brilliant but oh those worries for your other home.
Posted by: Gaelyn | October 18, 2022 at 03:32 PM
Understandably, Sallie, you are concerned and anxious to return to your canal cottage in FL. It's sad to read not only about the devastation to property, but also to the wildlife areas. Thank you for taking time to show the beautiful blooms and fall colors in Oregon.
Posted by: Beatrice | October 18, 2022 at 12:08 PM
Hello Sallie :=)
Lovely post with great photos of all the birds you saw when you visited the wildlife refuge on Sanibel Island. Happy memories, I am sure. Our weather has started to be just as changeable as it is in Eugene. Grey skies one day and blue skies the next, but the temperature is an agreeable 23 degrees. I enjoyed seeing the colourful autumn leaves and pretty yellow flowers. I know you will be worried about your Florida home, and hope there is not too much damage on your return.
Kind regards.
Posted by: Breathtaking | October 18, 2022 at 11:12 AM
I hope the WLR will recover fast and the cottage also....
Posted by: SONDRA | October 18, 2022 at 07:51 AM
Most definitely a transitional time seasonally and for Florida recovering from the storm ~ Hoping with you for the best for all concerned ~
Lovely autumn photos and fond memories of Sanibel, Captiva and Ding Darling ~ Xo
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your day ~
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | October 18, 2022 at 07:07 AM
Your photos are beautiful as always, Sallie.
I hope that all goes well when you return to Florida.
Hugs and blessings 💐
Posted by: Veronica Lee | October 18, 2022 at 06:27 AM
Lovely shots. Autumn is my favourite time of year.
Posted by: Lady Fi | October 17, 2022 at 11:27 PM
Lovely colors, and your bird photos are good.
Posted by: Linda W | October 17, 2022 at 08:02 PM
it is my favourite season literally simply because of the colours. It'll be Autumn for us starting March 2023, can't wait.
Posted by: Amy | October 17, 2022 at 06:44 PM
It's just a bad feeling being on one side of the country and not knowing for sure awaits you on the other side. I'm thinking about you guys.
Posted by: Alan | October 17, 2022 at 02:47 PM
I can imagine how torn you feel about being so far away and needing to see things in person at your Winter home. Hope things go well with clean up and repairs.
Posted by: ellen b. | October 17, 2022 at 02:42 PM
I say enjoy the blue skies of Eugene and then prepare yourself for destruction when you drive back to Florida. I haven't gone south but I've seen so many horrible photos of annihilation in Fort Myers. Plan to live in your RV - that way you are prepared in case of damage to your home. I'm so sorry you are coming back to a mess. It's very sad.
Posted by: Carol | October 17, 2022 at 02:38 PM
...the blues skies are a nice background for your fall color.
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | October 17, 2022 at 01:58 PM
It's been beautiful here and supposed to be a lot cooler after tonight. I know you are anxious to get back down here. It will be hard to see so much change though. Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | October 17, 2022 at 01:49 PM
Your thoughts must be dwelling on what's happening in Florida with the desire to get back to your canal cottage when the time is suitable. Wishing you a safe journey when you do decide to travel there. It's a long journey. All the best.
Posted by: Linda P | October 17, 2022 at 01:46 PM
I am hoping for more rain here in the west. That would help so much with the smoke and the wildfires. I hope all goes well when you return to Florida. Beautiful photos!
-Soma
Posted by: Soma @ InkTorrents.com | October 17, 2022 at 12:09 PM
I do hope all goes well when you return to Florida! Your pictures are lovely. Here in the Midlands we changed from heatwaves to winter in one day…
Posted by: Hazel | October 17, 2022 at 09:11 AM
Fall is just beginning here...Love seeing your images of the changing leaves!
Posted by: Mitzi | October 17, 2022 at 07:53 AM
We are deep into fall!
So sorry about your home.
Posted by: Jennifer Jilks | October 17, 2022 at 04:44 AM
Hello,
The fall trees are looking beautiful. I love the lilies too.
I hope there is not too much damage at your canal cottage.
I have been thinking about all the wildlife at Ding Darling NWR, there are so many beautiful birds there. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!
Posted by: Eileen | October 17, 2022 at 03:11 AM
ah the changing of seasons. We go from winter to spring here - my favourite time of year. Though on our eastern coast there is substantial flooding. I love your autumn colours which we don't get over here except in small pockets of imported trees. Enjoy your week. Stay safe. I am joining you at Mosaic Monday.
Posted by: Life Images by Jill, West Australia | October 16, 2022 at 10:34 PM
Beautiful autumn colours.
Posted by: William Kendall | October 16, 2022 at 05:15 PM
It's a curious mix of summer and autumn around here, too, and today the skies are very smoky. We desperately need rain, and there is a bit in the forecast for Friday. It must be hard to be torn between two places just now with the devastation in Florida.
Posted by: Lorrie Orr | October 16, 2022 at 05:02 PM