What we saw on our walk today

We took the Grrr Girls on a ninety plus minute walk today to make up for the lack of long walks they didn’t enjoy this week. Its been a while since we ventured outside of our neighborhood, we bravely crossed a busy four lane divided road to the next town, called University Park. It’s the bedroom community for the University of Maryland and quite lovely. Here’s some of what we saw today:

Its definitely autumn here is the DC region, where the leaves are turning and falling.

Red Oak Leaves...turning red

Red Oak Leaves...turning red

My spring and fall blooming azaleas are at the end of their autumn bloom cycle, but the Camellias are just starting. This bush has been allowed to naturalize and its bushy and beautiful. Growing up in Central Florida, we had a ring of Camellias in our shared yard, and it was the only thing blooming during December, January and February. I was always so amazed and thankful for them at a time when even in sunny warm Florida, nature took a brief winter catnap.

Wild Camellias

Wild Camellias in University Park

Up close and gorgeous! Look at those dark, glossy leaves, the bright, happy pop of the yellow center and the hot pink petals. Swoon, I’m in love! Looks like we’ll need to plant a few of these in the back yard next spring.

Hot Pink Camellia

Hot Pink Camellia

Finally, a house we usually pass by on our way home, its lovely and sits amidst some smaller bungalows. Since we really don’t have much of a southern style front porch, I’m a sucker for houses that have them.

University Park House

University Park House

What did you do over Veteran’s day weekend? I hugged my veteran, thanked him for his 8 years of service, and we enjoyed our long weekend. Hope yours was wonderful.