Fall Walk

Property taxes due. We arrange trips to City Hall as walks for me--so that the sacrifice in money will translate into a gain in health. While Brigitte prepared to take off for her swimming exercies, I went off in my usually direction, which is past this cluster of trees on Ridge avenue. I visit this scene obsessively now because I've taken pictures of it in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Once done with the taxing chore, which takes me to Kirby Avenue, the temptation is then always great to walk the three block east to see Lake St. Claire. Here is the approach.

And here a panorama of the lake on a lovely October afternoon.

Walking on Jefferson, I saw the sign above. It marks the spot where Brigitte swims--but in the summer, not these days. These days she swims at a local high school. The weather's too cold for outdoors swimnastics, and Pier Park is here shown decorated for Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween, I passed this driveway on Jefferson on my way back, one of the most elaborate  I've ever seen.

Here is another angle on it. These are wealthy residences, and displays of this sort are actually arranged by contractors who arrive with four or five people and a kind of "director" who supervises the erection of displays. The same crews arrive in mid-November to stage the Christmas decos too.

Then, leaving busy Jefferson and the smooth waters behind, I like to go up this deep cul de sac--except that it isn't actually closed to the knowing pedestrian.