The upper hand

4th September 2026

Here and there we see splashes of red and I wonder what causes a mere portion of a particular tree to turn red? No doubt there is a scientific reason, but does it really matter?

The countryside changes every day, throughout the year in subtle ways, but at this time of year, if you wish to enjoy it to the full you have to stay alert.

.

On a grey morning in Bennington, a row of trees suggested they were on the very cusp of Fall, while the bushes appeared already to have committed.

.

Just as I see faces in clouds, I see personalities in plants. These young trees growing in the scree at the edge of a freeway seem like kids having fun sliding down a slope.

Perhaps riding surf?

It’s good being a passenger. It gives you time to daydream!

.

“I suppose I’m going to have to put up with the sight of your naked body again all Winter?”

Some of you may have seen these two before. We pass them often, in all seasons and I imagine them conversing together, from opposite points of view.

.

Wright’s Road – yet again!

Along any route we regularly travel there is at least one tree we always greet and I often take its photo, since every time is different.

This day, I thought the cloud added a nice touch.

.

Mr Allen’s tree appeared to have lost a bit off the top.

We call it Mr Allen’s because it carries his mail box, but most of these trees Grant refers to as “Your”, meaning mine, I suppose because I acknowledge and “talk” to them.

However…

.

Already looking sparse on September 4th.

This one, on River Road, is Grant’s tree.

He likes them all, but I suppose he admires this one most.

The only thing we possess is the right to appreciate these trees.

.

Even dead trees serve their purpose.

Perch for a Red-tailed hawk.

Too far away for a good shot.

.

The Linden trees in Greenwich show no sign yet of Fall, but they constantly turn their leaves, revealing their silver undersides. I’d never encountered this before and it took me a long time to work out what I was seeing as we only ever drive by without stopping for a good look.

.

Around the corner at Hannaford’s, the maples are turning colour.

.

Sumac trees mark the edge of a field.

Mankind does not totally control everything. The farmer may have planted soy this year, but last summer’s corn did not quite surrender the field.

It pleases me every time I see evidence that Nature holds the upper hand.

.

3 thoughts on “The upper hand

  1. Ha, you’re right, it looks like those young trees are riding a wave – wouldn’t that be quite the sight 😁. It’s always nice to drive with you guys this time of year to see the trees change colour – I’m looking forward to experiencing autumn with you again. In today’s post, the Linden trees are my favourite – they really make you look twice!

Leave a Reply