Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Comparing the Colors--Year by Year


I have been taking Autumn pictures here in Fairfield Glade since we moved here in 2003. What has been interesting to me is to compare and contrast the different Autumns we have experienced here. One thing I do know from looking at my photos is that one of the prettiest years (as far as leaf colors) we have had RIGHT here in Fairfield Glade was 2007 (which was the year we went through a horrible drought). Then it was fairly dry again in 2008--and we had beautiful colors that year also. This year, however, we have had LOTS and LOTS of rain. And guess what???? Our tree colors here were not nearly as pretty (vivid) as the past two years. (We did see some pretty color ---but we had to drive on the Cherohala Skyway in order to get it this year!)


NOW---am I saying that "Dry Weather = Beautiful Fall Colors, and Wet Weather = Duller Fall Colors" ???? WELL---I have never read that anywhere, but for us here in Tennessee, it has happened for the past three years. We'll just have to wait and see what happens NEXT Fall.


As I went through all of my Fall pictures, I chose one or two from each year beginning in 2003 and ending last year in 2008. I didn't include any of this year's Autumn pictures since, other than showing our pretty dogwood tree, I don't really have many that are THAT pretty. We also were gone off and on for two weeks during October --so that didn't help either. The picture above was taken in 2003. This is one of the gorgeous Sugar Maples which are so pretty in Fall in our area.







This picture was taken in Fall of 2004 --looking from the golf course fairway to our back yard.







This is not really a Fall-color picture---but it was taken in Fall of 2004 when George and I were taking an early morning walk on the golf course. Pretty sunrise, isn't it???









This was in 2005---and was also taken along the golf course near our home.







This was taken in 2006--while we were taking a Fall hike.









Here is another picture of our back yard---taken in Fall of 2006.









This was our Redbud tree in 2007. The leaves turned bright yellow--and were so beautiful. (This year, the leaves on that tree just turned brown and fell off!)









These were some of the colors in our neighborhood in 2007...









In 2007, our Vinca was fabulous in the Lamppost flowerbed (as opposed to this year when it didn't do nearly as well). You can also see a few Pansies coming through.. Once the Vinca was gone, we added more Pansies.







2008 (also a dry year for us) was another beautiful year for Fall colors. This is one of the lakes in Fairfield Glade surrounded by Fall colors.









Finally, here was one of my favorite pictures taken in Fall of 2008. I love this one because of the reflections in the water.


Hope you enjoyed all of my Fall pictures. Each year presents its own unique beauty. Now we'll just have to wait until next year to see what kind of pretty colors we get here.


Hugs,

48 comments:

Kathy W said...

Yeap I enjoyed those beautiful photos. It sure is pretty out where you are. Love that last photo. The colors on the trees are really bright in the water.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I agree, each year holds it's own gifts of color!!! I love that sunrise picture the best!

Valerie said...

Gorgeous pictures. I took a quick look this morning - running late for work already, so I will be back to read this afternoon. Have a great day! Valerie

Arkansas Patti said...

I too liked that sunrise photo.
It is nice you have pictures of really nice colors to re-injoy for this year has been mostly brown and bare with the exception of ditch weeds.

Thistlebrooms said...

I see what you mean by the reflections in the last photo. YOU (and your camera)really captured the stillness of the Beauty!!

Taking those morning walks is one way to get those true colors...

Always~Marilyn

Peggy said...

What beautiful fall colors you two have captured!And What a blessed gift nature gives us each season. Fall really goes all out in its beautiful colors.

Sunny said...

Your pictures are lovely, the vivid reds are amazing.
I think our Autumn was kind of dull this year, not a lot of reds at all. Some of the trees were actually prettier late in the season, right before they dropped their leaves.
It's interesting how things change from one year to the next.
Enjoy your day.
Sunny :)

I Am Woody said...

I have noticed the colors around here are lacking too. With a few exceptions - my neighbor's maple is the most stunning red!!

Kirigalpoththa said...

That is a lovely collection. I enjoyed all the pictures!!

Beth said...

Those are some gorgeous shots you have there, Betsy. I agree that this year was not only a bit dull, but very short-lived, as well. But, as you say, last year and the year before were amazing. As I understand it, the best colors come when the days in September and October are dry and cool and the nights are cold. We had a warm October this year, as well as a wet one.

Dorothy said...

Love those Fall pictures, Betsy! My very favorite is the gorgeous last picture!

Susie said...

You know Betsy if I had ya'lls views I don't think I would ever get anything done. I'd either be out walking all the time or sitting and taking in all that beauty! You sure do live in a gorgeous place!

MadSnapper said...

2005 and 2008 get my vote for Gorgeous Glowing color. they are like paintings. I really enjoyed this post since we never get to see any thing like this. wonderful
have you looked at
www.medam-photogarden.blogspot.com
I follow her every day, and today her post is wonderful. she has color in all her post to

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

I noticed that this year wasn't as vibrant as the last two years and what colors we did get, didn't last very long. Also, I noticed that some trees colors really vary from year to year, and that reallt intrigues me.

Gorgeous photos Betsy!

Anonymous said...

Yes ma'am, the colors are different each year & I really enjoy fall for that very reason... ya never know how it will turn out.
You've captured some lovely fall images, Betsy! Wonderful job

Cheryl said...

Enjoyed all of your wonderful photos.
Gosh I wished I lived nearby...such a beautiful place you live in!

Cheryl said...

Enjoyed all of your wonderful photos.
Gosh I wished I lived nearby...such a beautiful place you live in!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Thanks for this gorgeous color.It is interesting to see how the trees change from year to year.This year has not been a very colorful one over here either.
Blessings,Ruth

Unknown said...

I love the reflection shots... they are so peaceful and calm and yet happy and vibrant at the same time.

Thank you for sharing. :o)

Small City Scenes said...

I am agreeing with you Betsy. We have had one of the prettiest falls that I can remember. but we also had a very (for us) hot and dry summer. No really measurable rain until October. the colors were fabulous. So many oranges and reds. We always have lots of yellow. And the fact we have so many Evergreens that don't change at all people think we are a no color area. But this year--WOWEE!!!

MB

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Betsy: first the pictures are just beautiful, all those vivid reds and golds, and oranges. I mentioned to my husband that I didn't think the leaves were as pretty, and maybe it was because we have had so much rain ?
Of course, there all always the certain trees that literally knock your socks off, usually the older trees, and they never seem to show any difference, dry or wet weather.
Yes, we were up in Cedars a few weeks ago, and there is still plenty of color in the State park.

Jo said...

Wow, Betsy, I really enjoyed these photos, I LOVE the last one especially, such beautiful colours AND reflections. Thanks for always visiting my blog. (((Hugs))) Jo

Anonymous said...

I will have to agree with you on the prettiest leaf color being back in 2007 as we suffered a drought that year too. But these colors in your photos are excellent.

Rose said...

These are beautiful, Betsy.

I just posted a little video of Lorelei that you will enjoy!

Rose said...

oh, I meant to say I think that last one is my favorite also!

penny said...

Hi Betsy,
Visiting you is like going on a free vacation. You do all the driving and I just sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You write a wonderful journal, Thanks.

Gill - That British Woman said...

the first one, is exactly what Fall should look like, a perfect photo in my opinion.

Gill in Canada

Deborah Godin said...

Unpredictable and always different, beauty in eveeryyear and every season! Thanks for the lovely tour!

Snap said...

Gorgeous photos! We spent the morning raking leave -- but they are brown ... not pretty like yours. However, I kept a few. I liked their shape! I'll do something with them.

Diane said...

Pretty shots, Betsy. Since we didn't have fall colors this year I'm enjoying yours.

Betty said...

All of your pictures a so lovely it is hard to pick a favorite,but if I had to I think I would choose the 4th and 10th.
~~Hugs~~

Salitype said...

i find autumn colors a delight and spectacular sight!

beautiful place you have there, tranquil and welcoming to the senses!

i loveee every one of them...

MedaM said...

Hi Betsy, this is really lovely series of photos and I completely enjoyed them all. Fall colors in 2007 and 2008 were just amazing.
This year we’ve also had mostly rainy weather so this fall is not as colourful as it was last year.
I am pleasantly surprised that Sandra recommended my blog to you. I am thankful to her very much. I am thankful to you too for visiting and for your kind comment. I do appreciate it a lot.
Hugs
Meda

SmilingSally said...

Those dry 2008 pictures on the lake are awesome!

Joe Todd said...

Those are stunning colors and you know I am really partial to golf courses. As a matter of fact that is where I spent today. Was that rock slide in Tennessee anywhere close to you?

imac said...

Guess you right Betsy, 2008 seemed a good year for colour, like the reflections.

Janie said...

Interesting observation about wet vs. dry years. I really love that last reflection photo, and the earlier one of sunrise on the golf course is great, too.

Shelley said...

That sure is a beautiful golfcourse that you're on! I love your fall photos - nice to look back! Hope I get to see your snow photos too! Tee hee!!
:-) Shelley

Unknown said...

There's no better proof than first hand observation!

The Retired One said...

I loved all of these, especially the last one.
Isn't autumn just breathtaking?
And all that color disappears so quickly!!!!

Leedra said...

My BEST sunrise at Newfound Gap was 2007. Prettier than the ones I posted today from 2008.

What is really odd though.... Knoxville's fall colors are still hanging on, even after the rain the last 2 days. I saw a redbud today that was that gorgeous yellow color, downtown Knoxville. I was actually wondering if I should bring my camera tomorrow and wander around to see if there are still enough to get some decent photos here in town.

I really like fall colors around the water, love the reflections. You got some good ones here.

Mary said...

They all look pretty spectacular to me! That last one is definitely a beautiful shot worthy of being framed.

Karin said...

Absolutely gorgeous photography! I love the reflection one as well. What a beauty!

You don't live anywhere near that mountain rock slide, do you??? Heard about is on the news and thought of you folks and some of the other bloggers who live in TN. Mercifully no one was injured.

Lagean Ellis said...

I just love the color changes on the trees. Such beauty. Of course, then we must endure the yucky, bare trees.

How are you? Sorry I haven't been by. I'm still struggling with this health stuff......

diane b said...

They are fabulous shots, especially the last one, calendar stuff. Our trees always have more flowers when it is drought. Apparently it is because the plant thinks it is about to die so it will produce more seeds to give it a better chance at reproducing but that wouldn't be apt for leaves would it?

Connie said...

Gorgeous photos, Betsy. I really like that last one too. We are so fortunate to have such beauty given to us to enjoy, aren't we. :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Those are some neat sky and tree photos, thanks for sharing.

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

We live near the Cherohala Skyway and you are so right about the Fall color these past years!
Blessings, Misha