They’re calling for gloom and doom tomorrow—ice and snow and more cold, blustery winds.  A shock to humans and plants alike, who’ve just enjoyed the warmest August, September, and October in recorded history in Portland.

As of yesterday, there were still roses, dahlias, asters, and marigolds blooming, among others.  And fall color is still jamming, as you can see, though leaves are being stripped fast by the howling winds.

I collected these leaves up tonight in the backyard.  They were all blown in from neighbors’ yards—I’m embarrassed to say I don’t have any trees of my own… (We just moved in this year!)  That will change.

Got food today, a new snow shovel, and brought in wood for the fireplace.  Everybody be safe, and let’s hope the forecasters miss the mark.