The maple trees around here are turning colors. They are brilliant reds and oranges and golds this year.
Out on the main road is this little pond. It puts on a show every fall.
Each year I notice how beautiful they are, each year I think the colors are the prettiest ever.
In our small local cemetery the sun focused on a single branch.
Just like this year.
But today I also feel tinges of sadness as fall progresses because my little girl, the one who loved fall and who believed the trees turned color just for her isn’t here to enjoy it.
I'm a long time banker having worked in banks since the age of 17. I took a break when I turned 50 and went back to school. I graduated right when the economy took a turn for the worst and after a year of library work found myself unemployed. I was lucky that my previous bank employer wanted me back. So here I am again, a long time banker. Change is hard.
I was in Michigan this weekend and the maples were stunning. Deep reds , oranges, and brilliant yellows. The hardwood mix along 127 between Grayling and East Lansing was very colorful. I-94 from I-69 to the MI-IN border not so much. But I agree, the bottom photo is the best.
Fall is always poignant, the beautiful winding down of nature before the sleep of winter, but those of us who had losses during the year can’t help remembering previous, happier autumns. I can honestly say I know how you feel, Dawn. Sending hugs!!! And remembering Katie with you, too.
Autumn is getting a slow start here in EAstern WA, Dawn, but I feel just like you as I remember how many wonderful Autumn walks I took with Aero and Brodie. My heart aches for your loss as well. I always loved how Aero’s cocoa fur looked against the fallen colorful leaves. I’m sure Katie and Aero have found some time to play together ❤
I’m sure they’ve found a whole group of our dogs there…so many good dogs are hanging out together waiting on us. Katie says she was always waiting for me when we went for walks. I’d get behind while taking pictures. She was generally pretty patient with me, though in the last year she was less so. I hope your little guy is playing with lots of new friends. We know they are both safe and healthy and happy, and that’s all that really counts.
Fall is definitely their season. They seem younger somehow when the winds blow and the leaves make crunching sounds beneath your feet. Missing my Dallas every day, too — though I must admit, having a little Monkey underfoot helps (if nothing else, because he’s just so needy!!)
The Princess looks beautiful in fall colors. She always did. Can you imagine her in the fall colors over the rainbow bridge? I’m sure they have fall there too.
Change Is Hard 
October 10, 2022 at 9:04 pm
I was in Michigan this weekend and the maples were stunning. Deep reds , oranges, and brilliant yellows. The hardwood mix along 127 between Grayling and East Lansing was very colorful. I-94 from I-69 to the MI-IN border not so much. But I agree, the bottom photo is the best.
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October 11, 2022 at 10:22 am
It’s just stunning around here. I wish I could have gone north this fall…it’s always beautiful up there.
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October 10, 2022 at 9:04 pm
I bet you miss her, especially at this time of the year.
Your photos are beautiful and she is there with you.
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October 11, 2022 at 10:22 am
Yes, she is everywhere. I just have this huge ache inside all the time these days.
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October 11, 2022 at 6:58 pm
The first year is the hardest and there are certain times that it is felt more deeply. Sending more hugs, my friend.
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October 11, 2022 at 10:29 pm
thank you
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October 10, 2022 at 9:53 pm
I’m sorry. It is so hard, isn’t it? She was a beautiful girl! Time helps, but not always quickly.
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October 11, 2022 at 10:23 am
Time did help, I’ve been feeling pretty OK, but these colors are just so hard to see without her. How are YOU doing? You have such a recent loss.
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October 11, 2022 at 12:39 pm
I think you have me mixed up with a different Michelle. 🙂
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October 11, 2022 at 2:25 pm
OOPS, I think I do have you mixed up with another Michelle! 😦 Thank you for getting me straight!
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October 10, 2022 at 10:45 pm
Yes, her colors! Beautiful!
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October 11, 2022 at 10:23 am
Yes she really was.
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October 10, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Absolutely … Katie colors. So beautiful.
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October 11, 2022 at 10:23 am
She liked that there was a whole season that matched her.
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October 11, 2022 at 7:25 am
Fall is always poignant, the beautiful winding down of nature before the sleep of winter, but those of us who had losses during the year can’t help remembering previous, happier autumns. I can honestly say I know how you feel, Dawn. Sending hugs!!! And remembering Katie with you, too.
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October 11, 2022 at 10:24 am
hank you P.J.
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October 11, 2022 at 8:32 am
Beautiful girl. Beautiful colors, and hers for sure.
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October 11, 2022 at 10:24 am
She loved fall so much! All those long walks in the woods that we did together. I’m pretty sure that her heaven is fall all the time.
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October 11, 2022 at 8:36 am
Fall is grieving, too. That’s why the colors are extra pretty this year. Just for her.
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October 11, 2022 at 10:24 am
I bet you’re right. The whole world is missing Katie-girl.
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October 11, 2022 at 11:16 am
Autumn is getting a slow start here in EAstern WA, Dawn, but I feel just like you as I remember how many wonderful Autumn walks I took with Aero and Brodie. My heart aches for your loss as well. I always loved how Aero’s cocoa fur looked against the fallen colorful leaves. I’m sure Katie and Aero have found some time to play together ❤
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October 12, 2022 at 11:59 am
I’m sure they’ve found a whole group of our dogs there…so many good dogs are hanging out together waiting on us. Katie says she was always waiting for me when we went for walks. I’d get behind while taking pictures. She was generally pretty patient with me, though in the last year she was less so. I hope your little guy is playing with lots of new friends. We know they are both safe and healthy and happy, and that’s all that really counts.
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October 12, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Fall is definitely their season. They seem younger somehow when the winds blow and the leaves make crunching sounds beneath your feet. Missing my Dallas every day, too — though I must admit, having a little Monkey underfoot helps (if nothing else, because he’s just so needy!!)
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October 12, 2022 at 6:35 pm
Such beautiful photos, Dawn. Especially the bottom one!!
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October 13, 2022 at 4:31 pm
Hugs. You’re right. She really did look good in all the colors.
Your fall looks stunning this year.
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October 14, 2022 at 5:24 pm
The Princess looks beautiful in fall colors. She always did. Can you imagine her in the fall colors over the rainbow bridge? I’m sure they have fall there too.
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October 16, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Fall was made for shelties. A beautiful backdrop for such a beautiful creature. I’m sure she is crunching through the leaves with you this month.💗
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