It’s supposed to be cool in Central Illinois this weekend (50s day, low 30s night), so I wanted to show you how pretty Fall can be before the leaves drop:
Yellows and oranges
Almost like looking at the sun!
Brilliant reds
Look, this tree has already lost its leaves
Squirrel’s eye view
Somebody’s going to have fun raking all these!
How did this maple turn yellow in only one spot?
Which is prettier — yellows?
Or reds?
Or just one branch turning purple?
A splash of color
Leaves on the ground — see how dry it’s been?
Oranges and yellows
More yellow
Lovely against a blue sky!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Beautiful! Fall (or autumn as we call it this side of the pond!) is such a glorious season. I think it is my favourite, in fact. I love the way the air smells.
I think it’s my favorite, too, Lucy. Something about the chill in the air, the upcoming holidays, and foods that aren’t available during the rest of the year (like pumpkins and cranberry sauce!!)
I can feel you savoring autumn there Debbie! I love that season but here in Sicily we pretty much still have hot summer. In fact, we’re off to the beach now–water’s still warm.
The beach sounds lovely, Jann! Here in land-locked Central Illinois, the beach is a real treat indeed. Enjoy those warm waters and think about us donning sweaters already!!
Lovely!
Most of our trees are losing their clothing now!
I hate seeing them naked, darling!! xxxx
You’re a few weeks ahead of us, dear Kim. Don’t worry, our trees, too, soon will be stripped bare in preparation for winter’s cold. Even that is a lovely, quiet time of year, though. Stay warm on these chilly nights! xoxo
Lovely pictures! It’s suddenly turned very cold here, so I’m wondering if we’re skipping autumn this year (having pretty much skipped summer too!) and heading straight for winter. Digging out the snow grips… brrr!
Oh, dear, I do hope not — Autumn is such a delightful season, and I’d miss it terribly if I didn’t get to experience it. When I lived down south, we had two seasons — warm and hot, ha! — so I know what I’m saying. Here’s hoping you’ll have an excuse (if one ever needs such!) for making a pot of hot chocolate soon!
Beautiful photos. Thanks, Debbie. I do miss the leaves turning but not the raking.
Thanks, John. You know, I used to think the punishment for landing in Purgatory was endless days of raking leaves — funny you, too, dislike that chore!!
Big piles of Oak and Maple leaves. Ugh.
I think Sycamore and Sweet Gum might be worse. Sycamore, for its HUGE leaves; Sweet Gum, for those spiked balls it drops!
Horrors. Forgot about those.
The best part of raking leaves into piles always was jumping into those piles — and then raking them up again. And then jumping again. It could go one for a whole afternoon!
The colors are so pretty — we’re still green when it comes to trees. Ah, well. We don’t have anything like your color, anyway, so I’ll just enjoy your photos!
Glad I could brighten your day, Linda. Even Dallas seems to enjoy clomping into a pile of leaves (though what a nuisance, getting them off his furs!!)
Just beautiful, Debbie! Thanks for sharing all these lovelies. Happy Fall to you too.
Thanks, Barb — glad you enjoyed seeing them!
Seeing your golden tree leaves has me singing, “America, the Beautiful.” Happy Autumn!
We *do* live in a beautiful country, Monica. Too bad too many of us fail to appreciate it, or to take care of it. Glad my photos put you in a singing mode!!
Beautiful, Debbie! Fall is here and I love it.
Thank you, sir — me, too! Probably my favorite season of all!
Oh my gorgeous autumn. Makes me miss Illinois.
Sorry if I touched a nostalgic place, Pat! Some Falls, as you remember, aren’t so spectacular; this one has been a beauty! Color color everywhere you look — makes me want to spend a LOT of time outdoors!!
Oh I love these photos and these glorious fall colors!
Thanks, Cindy. Each season has its beauty, but some seasons are easier to photograph, ha!