In contrast to the gloom of Northern Ontario, today the skies were brilliant (even if pittsburgh is the fifth gloomiest place in the lower 48). And even though it’s November – the month of the dead – and even though we’re racing towards the winter solstice, having a sunny day helps to neutralize, helps to balance the gray.

The above image is from my walk in North Park. My favorite route is up Walker Road and once off the hill, south along Lake Shore Drive to my car.

Many of the bare trees along Walker Road are draped in vines full of orange berries. (i don’t remember as many berries last year.) I kept thinking – is this a harbinger of a bad winter? is nature providing for its creatures in what may be a long dark season?