Ah!  Autumn is finally here and with it comes cool mornings and warmer days and the promise of the leaves changing.  New England is known for our lovely foliage. Brilliant golds, scarlets, greens and browns dart the landscape as the earth gets ready for it's winter sleep. 

It is also a wonderful time to take advantage of the cooler temperatures to hike and take long leisurely walks.  My Dear Walking companion, Alex and I have been doing just that.  Being a Golden Retriever, Alex is pre-disposed to athleticism and he most certainly makes that known as we make our way along our mid-morning route.  This morning we met dear family friends and proceeded to venture up near the town high school (where Alex was quite the hit with the Wellness Class that was making its way to the tennis courts bright yellow-green balls bouncing against their rackets.  The poor dog was transfixed, his ears perked up while we stopped to watch the students pass) and the the veterans' hospital where we had the good fortune to meet a young wife and mother taking her children to visit their injured father.  Alex, once again, won the day with his sweet gentlemanly persona as he greeted the little girl with puppy kisses and received a treat for his efforts.  He was one happy boy!  We pressed on... 

When we arrived home he had a drink and then proceeded to collaspe on the couch down in the den curled up against the pillows where fell asleep (dreaming of friendly children and doggie treats).  Ah!  A Dog's Life! 

You all are probably wondering why the picture of the fox when I have been waxing on about Golden Retrievers for the last several paragraphs.  Foxes are another one of those things that epitomizes autumn to me.  Their has always been something intriguing and elegant about them.  Maybe it has to do with riding to the hounds in the cool autumn/winter air?  18th and 19th century hunt prints?  Dark rich red, green, blue and gold against dark mahogony and cherry wood in a well appointed library?  Whatever it is I am most definitely a fan of foxes...