My Kentucky In Autumn

My Kentucky in Fall Peaceful country roads winding through meadows and hills, and golden rays kiss purple asters, tall ironweed and abundant goldenrod. Gorgeous colors are greeting me despite the warning that drought would hold them back this year. Glowing yellows, warm reds and burning orange leaves are clinging to the heavy branches, limbs swaying in the autumn breeze. Fallen leaves dance to the music of the currents, poison ivy vines wrap the stately maple in crimson. Damp snapping turtles sun themselves on a rock in the creek, while further up a blue heron is standing silently, watching the slow flowing water, until he is ready to strike. Our majestic Ohio river reflects the cloudless, azure sky while bordered by densely covered cliffs that are decked in their autumn finest. Profusely blooming red cardinal vines cling to the rocky ledges are kissed by happily buzzing bees and bouncing butterflies. Pumpkins, ghosts and witches decorate porches and front doors, gray barns are brimming with hay, tobacco and corn, contently harboring their bounty. Acorns, black walnuts and hickory nuts are plentiful, yet squirrels do not seem in a hurry to bring in their winter supply. Smiling, waving hikers are climbing the autumn scented hills to Tioga Falls, and Virginia Creeper vines show pleasing colors along the old Rail Road Bridge. On the side of the road the lush cedars have developed their silver-blue berries, and wild rose bushes are displaying their red rose hips. Autumn has come to my Kentucky.