November on the Hill

November certainly looks different than October here on our hill. All the green has turned brown, tan, and gray and there are only a few leaves still clinging to the tree branches. Those are rust and toffee colored. The invasive bittersweet vines are now really noticeable. The leaves are a bright yellow and you can see them climbing their way up so many trees. The berries, however beautiful and bright, will be spread by the birds and more vines will grow. It is very hard to get rid of a bittersweet vine once it takes root. Although I love to photograph the berries, I am pretty careful about bringing it into the yard. I'm sure a photograph will crop up soon here on the blog!


The mature ewes are way up at the top of the hill. They are reclaiming a field that our neighbors used to keep their dairy cows on. It has been several years since there have been animals on this site. It was so overgrown with wild roses, goldenrod, brambles and small trees. The Farmer went in with his tractor and brush-hog and cleared a way so that he could set up the fence. The sheep have been grazing this spot for over a week now. They are covered with burrs and not too photogenic at the moment.


As the sheep graze and pick away at whatever vegetative matter is there, they fertilize the land with their manure. By next spring, this field will start to look better - certainly more fertile and green. Grazing sheep are amazing! As are Border Collies....


When I got the photo below onto my computer it was almost black. I took the photo very late in the day when the sun was gone. I did a little fiddling with Photoshop (I love the highlight/shadow command) and was amazed that the colors below were lurking amongst all the black.


The house at the top of the hill has been abandoned for decades. It stands as a reminder of what once was. I don't know anything about who built it or lived in it. I must look into that. Although there are power lines going to the old house, there is no power available. Every year more of the house rots away. Kind of sad but nice to photograph.


By the time I got done taking these photos, the sun was almost gone. I think the colors and the eery look to the sky pretty much sums up November.


It is really difficult to get used to the sun being gone by 4:30 in the afternoon. This first week after Daylight Savings Time is such an adjustment.

Hope you all will adjust soon too!