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The two largest pumpkins won 2nd prizes in their categories, at the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival.

In the Thanksgiving spirit, my friend Sharen and I took to the hills of Los Altos, where she knows all of the good trails and interesting sights. During our two hour trek along equestrian pathways, we saw some small farms next to the sprawling estates of Silicon Valley’s tech stars. There was fall color, green grass in the pastures, and water in the creeks.

Surveying the last flowers and produce in an organic garden.

The last flowers of summer with a pyracantha bush fruiting in the background.

The produce stand is under a redwood tree. The honor system is used for purchases of flowers, vegetables and herbs.

Serene pathways

More organic gardens of tomatoes, peppers and Asian eggplants

This small solar-powered farm (including the vehicles) coexists with the next-door neighbors’ palatial home, below.

The creek next door is still teeming with fish and attracts lots of mallard ducks, snowy egrets, and the occasional blue heron. The egrets are pristine and graceful in flight or on foot, but their calls are unbecomingly loud and contentious.

Two snowy egrets fishing under the bridge on our creek

Dusk over Silicon Valley.

Our dogs love these November days, perfect for afternoon walks around town, as the liquidamber and sycamore trees are changing colors.

Early autumn on Cowper Street

Our neighbor’s persimmon tree.

Matadero Creek.

Herbs and water garden under the redwoods.
It was hard to say “good-bye” to our family in New York. Now we’re back to business as usual, in California, catching up with details and chores, like dealing with the overgrown garden.