Look at the size of that sycamore leaf!!  A springlike fall day is such a tease, because I want to be out there doing stuff, but all I can do (for the sake of leaving nature to do her stuff) is admire and be amazed (and water).  The diversity of fallen leaves reminds me how privileged we are to have so many tall native trees surrounding us, providing food and shelter for large raptors and other native wildlife.  My evil plan now includes letting as many trees grow undisturbed as possible.

The big oak tree was showering little black acorns all over, its first serious acorn production since I’ve been here, and all the little critters were dashing around harvesting them.  Meanwhile, I myself was harvesting lots of assorted greens and lettuces from the veg garden, as if it was the peak of spring.  Successive fall planting was an inspired plan, given the mild weather.

Erev was quiet, as E was off performing the second night of Romeo, which he said went even better than the first.  (The flowers are the bouquet Avdi presented to E at the first performance.)  I made a pasta with my homemade sauce, replete with fresh herbs from the garden, and the greens on the side.  The challot were back to the normal recipe, nice and fluffy.  It was just A, K, and I (Y was holed up in his room).

Notice how full of gorgeous blooms the christmas cactus is this year!  (I see why the botanical name is less commonly used–Schlumbergera!  How awful–it sounds like a schnockered hamburger.)  I had the plant outside all summer in part sun, keeping it watered and drained regularly.  People were like “What?!”  It turns out I imitated its preferred conditions (not desertlike) enough to make it happily bloom once I brought it in and gave it moderate light and water.

Not to be left out, my apt jungle is doing well, constantly unfurling new baby leaves.  (That tall spear is an unfurled leaf.)  I think talking to them helps!

Update: It’s about 80º as I write.