The friends who came bear viewing with me had to leave before the actual party, but we managed to fit in a hike before they departed.

It’s been a funny fall.  There was a blaze of colour more than 2 weeks early, photographed when I took Jimmy to town, but in a couple of days it faded.The aspens turned greyish – one might expect the severe infestation of leaf miner to be a party to that, but the dwarf birch also lost its colour.There were a few pockets left, however, when we went for our hike.Squirrels are busy storing food for winter.  Here is a mushroom stuck up in a tree to dry.Soon we were up on the dunes.Jacob’s ladder in its fall finery.The mountains behind the lake across the road were hidden.Elizabeth is a keen birdwatcher, and she spotted an eagle on its nest eating something.

The storms broke that evening to give a spectacular sunset.My remaining guest and I drove along the 4 km road to hang balloons on the trees.  I was astounded to see, right by the highway, a brand new stop sign.  (See first picture.)

I was too busy at the party to take pictures  Only this one of my brother and his wife on my new deck.  The wind was bitter cold and soon we all had to move inside, bulging my little house at the seams.  Maybe friends will send pictures I can add here.  My brother has visited me a couple of times in Canada, but it is the first time Julie has been here.  I have not seen her for 35 years!

It was a great party.  People came from all over the province – it was lovely to think I had so many friends who were prepared to drive such a long way.  Only problem is, the house is still not finished!

But there is no peace for the wicked.  Now I must prepare for my fall book tour.  More about that in a day or two.