Autumn Evening On The Prairie
The days are shorter now on the prairie. The summer grasses have browned, the fields have been harvested, and the wildflowers have gone to seed.
We’ve had a hard freeze, and the insects have gone. It’s getting quieter by the day as the prairie prepares itself for the long winter.
This stately old barn has seen many winters, and knows what to expect.
The cows have been turned out into the cornfields to eat what the combine left behind.
The Hedge trees, also known as Osage Orange, have put out their fruit of the year, hedge-apples. They’re not related to apples in any way though.
The native grasses put up their seed-heads in early autumn, and make a swishing sound in the breeze.
Canada Geese make their way south to warmer parts of the country.
As the sun sets in the west, the moon rises in the east and claims it share of the sky for the night.
———> COMING UP THIS WEEK: A drive out to Colorado, including a day trip in Rocky Mountain National Park.
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This post was so poetic…awesome, I loved it. I especially loved the photo of the cow in the harvested corn field. I love, love, love that photo! I am going to make it my desktop photo on my computer. I also love the photo of the moon! Wow! That is incredible…that’s a harvest moon for sure!
Very nice. Poetic for sure. The prairie resting after providing.
Hi Gardener,
I like what you said, “resting after providing”. It’s like Sunday for nature.
Suzanne
We are in Wichita for the week and enjoying the Kansas countryside. Hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hi Sally,
Thank you, and Happy Belated Thanksgiving to you as well!
Beautiful! The cows look so happy even though everything else is looking pretty desolate.
Hi Teresa,
The cows do love the corn. Like candy to them I think.
Thanks for your visit,
Suzanne
Beautiful, beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing them
Thank you Amy, and also for your visit too.
Absolutly beautiful, Suzanne. Love the grasses photo. And oh my goodness, I haven’t seen an Osage Orange in many a year. There used to be some along the road down by the next farm, but last time I drove by there they were all cut down. Funny what you miss from your childhood. Love your post, you never fail to bring back the memories for me. thanks,Doe
Hi Doe,
Hedge used to be everywhere because it was pruned regularly and used as a live fence. Today it has been allowed to grow to mature trees, and is sometimes cut down and bulldozed. Am sorry to see it being removed.
Thanks for your visit, and have a wonderful day!
Lovely, lovely, lovely photos – thank you so much for posting these, Suzanne! Hugs, Lola (greetings from lovely Germany where it is snowing – very tiny snowflakes…)
Hi Lola,
Thank you! We’ve not had snow here yet, but probably will soon. Not looking forward to it.
Greetings to you as well!
Great photos !!! I love the one with the cow, who look at you.
Bravo !!!
Hi Ellada,
Isn’t she just the prettiest cow? Loved her.
Suzanne
Gorgeous photographs and such a beautiful place!
Thank you Julie!
I really feel like I’m there as the winter puts everyone to sleep. Beautiful pix too!
Thank you Julie, and thank you for stopping by,
Suzanne
Loved this post! Watching my Father die with cancer and seeing these pictures made me keenly aware that we are all just a part of nature, Seasons………..
Hi Beaverbelle,
I’m so sorry about your Dad. Hope that you can find comfort and peace.
My dad died of cancer too almost 20 years ago. It gets easier with time.
Take care,
Suzanne
Always love your posts and pictures! I love the one of the old barn! I will use it for my screensaver!
Happy post Thanksgiving!
Hi Debbie,
Those old barns are disappearing by the day. It’s sad.
Thanks for dropping by, and Happy Belated T-Giving to you as well.
Suzanne
P.S. I have always wondered…..is there some animal that eats those hedge apples? Or, what is their purpose (other than to propagate the tree species)?
Hi Debbie,
Seems that hedge apples are used for decorating, but not much else. They can choke cattle and horses, but squirells seem to be able to eat them fine.
Suzanne
I’m never dissappointed when I visit your site. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Lisa! And thank you for visiting too!
Oh my. What an absolutely beautiful post. Your pictures are breathtaking. Wow.
Hi Moriningbray,
Thank you! Our light this time of year reminds me of the beautiful light you get there in New Mexico. What a beautiful state you live in.
All of your photos are beautiful, but I think I like the geese and the moon the best today. Both difficult to get, and peaceful.
Hi Marie Elizabeth,
Oh thank you! And thank you for stopping by!
Seems like we enjoyed that very same moon just the other night!! Ah, winter is coming quickly!
Hi Melanie,
I agree. It’s been much colder here today with a north wind. Brrrrrr.
Thanks for your visit.
Can you do anything with an Osage Orange? Are they edible?
Hi Chester’s Mom,
I had to look it up. See this link: http://www.post-gazette.com/magazine/20000902monkeyballs6.asp
Thanks!
Wow, lovely blog great photos……