Wednesday, November 4, 2015

the start of november

 We take a walk around the neighborhood most every late afternoon, marveling and relishing in the unusual warm weather we're having for the beginning of November. We pass kids wearing t-shirts and shorts, chasing soccer balls and riding bikes. Adults are in their yards, raking the seemingly-tons of fallen leaves, cleaning out roof gutters, and painting door trim. This is it - the last chance to finish outdoor work before next spring.


 By the time we're almost home, the sun is starting to set. With the time change, it gets dark at 5:00 now. I hate it. The evenings are so long and drawn out. I look at the clock, thinking it's almost bedtime and it's only 8:00.



With most of the trees bare now, you can clearly see the bird's nests nestled in the branches.


 Remember the movie, Groundhog Day? It was filmed in Woodstock, Illinois ~ a nearby suburb. While I was there today, I walked around the Square and took some photos. It was another beautiful day in the high 60's and the sun was trying so hard to poke through the clouds and fog.


The Woodstock Square is a charming place year-round, not only because of its beautiful park setting, but there's an independent bookstore, an upscale chocolate and coffee place, a small vegetarian restaurant that specializes in Middle-Eastern food, the Opera House, and a nice array of one-of-a-kind shops. Of course, there's also a Starbucks. Isn't there one on every street corner in America?
 

This is the famous gazebo in the Groundhog Day movie. Looks like the parks department was smart and hung the Christmas lights before it's too darn cold. I was amazed at all the color that was still on the bushes and in the surrounding trees.



The Woodstock Opera House is a historical venue for the performing arts. I've only been to a couple of performances here: a classical music (Mozart) concert and a bluegrass concert. Both fantastic. 
 

I know these warm days are fleeting and before we know it, we'll be wearing winter coats and making plans for Thanksgiving. I'm in no hurry.
  
"The month of November makes me feel that life is passing more quickly. In an effort to slow it down, I try to fill the hours more meaningfully." (Henry Rollins)

 

11 comments:

  1. Tomorrow is the last of our 70+ degree days. They have been so wonderful. What a beautiful place, Melanie. xo Laura

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  2. I never knew where that movie was filmed but it was hysterical. What a wonderful little town that seems to be. Fall is looking quite lovely in your area. Hope you have a great day- xo Diana

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  3. What loving photos . . . Melanie, you certainly live in a beautiful area. I miss the fall color of the Midwest. Most of our trees turned brown and lost leaves before turning color and we do not have all the trees that you have back there. Great verse at the end of your post . . . how very true.
    Have a marvelous day!
    Connie :)

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  4. Our leaves have changed, but are still on the trees. I know that they will fall soon and the coming months will be filled with sticks, cold and dark! Ugh. I am such a summer girl! ;) I am trying to make the most of every day, filling them with meaning...great quote!

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  5. I loved seeing that park. Groundhog Day is one of my favorite comedies. I'm a big fan of Bill Murray, actually. Nothing beats Caddyshack, though. :) It was fun to take a walk around the neighborhood with you. I've seen your weather on the news lately, it seems like you're having a splendidly warm autumn so far. I'm sure it must be very enjoyable. It does get dark early now, though. Last night we left my daughter's ballet class at 5:30 and walked out to the car in what looked like full nighttime darkness. It was weird! But I know the daylight will come around again before we know it. I think there's something to like about every time of year. I hope you're having a good week and that the upcoming weekend is a good one for you too.

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  6. It's been so rainy and cold that I haven't had much time to finish up those last minute chores myself. Pretty photos you've taken on your walks!

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  7. I grew up about 2 towns over, and Woodstock was our county seat. It is so pretty. I love the Opera House. The weather has been fantastic this first week of November. These days are diamonds. I think a lot of the bigger nests we see in the leafless trees are the squirrel's nests. If you watch, they use them all winter long. Interesting complexes they build up there!!

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  8. Thanks for posting these lovely photos!

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  9. Your neighborhood is so pretty..and I agree I hate how early it gets dark...it's what makes winter depressing not enough light!

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  10. What a lovely walk! It is still warm here - too warm for the time of year really - but very rainy and wet and gets dark early of course. By 4.30 the lights are all on and curtains drawn! xx

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  11. You are lucky to be out enjoying this last string of pretty days! I purposely planned my knee replacement surgery for this time of year, thinking it would be cold and gloomy. Instead, it's been crazy warm out! But I'm so focused on healing, that I haven't really given much thought to the weather. Enjoy it while it lasts!

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