These are the last days of autumn, and the season is going out in a blaze of beauty. Yesterday we took off on our bikes in the middle of the afternoon for a quick trip to the Jean-Talon market; we wanted to go while the outdoor stalls were still up, knowing they'd close soon. In spite of a stiff wind from the northwest that nearly stopped us at times, the ride up was beautiful too -- the streets are piled with golden leaves, and the sun was shining through openings in dark clouds.
When we arrived, we saw that some of the vendors have already packed up and left for the year. There was an over-abundance of pumpkins and squashes, leeks, cabbages, cauliflowers and, of course, apples.
But that wasn't all: to our surprise there were still paniers of Isle d'Orleans strawberries, and it's also cranberry season. Even during these late days of October, the market was still pretty glorious.
As a treat (we were feeling weak! hungry!) we went to the little gelato shop and shared a small cup of 2 flavors: dark chocolate, and caramel brulée d'erable: caramel brulée made with maple sugar. Oh my. (Merci, Martine et Ed, for turning us on to that place!) I can't even tell you how delicious that little cup of intensity was. And how restored we felt, for the ride back!
As the sun went down, the trees lining the streets were in deep shadow, but the tops were blazing with light - red, orange, gold.
It's always a little bittersweet, this time of year, but honestly, I don't know how I'd exist in a place that didn't have seasons. Life here -- and my life, in general -- is so defined by the weather and the time of year; there's always something to fuss about, but also to look forward to, and because we know that we can't hold onto the present, there's an incentive to enjoy it for what it is.
Lovely bounty, and suddenly I am hungry--
Posted by: marly youmans | October 16, 2012 at 04:24 PM
It's always a little bittersweet, this time of year, but honestly, I don't know how I'd exist in a place that didn't have seasons. Life here -- and my life, in general -- is so defined by the weather and the time of year; there's always something to fuss about, but also to look forward to, and because we know that we can't hold onto the present, there's an incentive to enjoy it for what it is.
I feel this way too, even though I live a good four or five hours south of you! The seasons here are so pronounced and so palpable. I love it, even as some part of me always quails at the prospect of the darkness and the cold which are coming. I'll enjoy them once they're here too, I know -- and they won't be forever, either. Spring will always return.
Posted by: Rachel Barenblat | October 16, 2012 at 05:23 PM
Awesome 'Lahriya Safas'.
Posted by: Ellena | October 17, 2012 at 07:49 AM
That looks glorious! I hope to see some of this fall abundance in Seattle on our trip we're taking soon to see our children and grandchildren. Maybe go out to the cranberry bogs on the coast.
Posted by: Hattie | October 17, 2012 at 04:14 PM
Oooh, now I have to make sure I go to the market this weekend and get some of that gelato!
Posted by: Martine | October 18, 2012 at 11:57 AM
It's heartening to see such glorious providence in this post. Here in Wales we've had a bad year in the garden. Few plums, fewer apples and no pears, damsons or medlars. Nothing to get us through the Autumn or Winter. In the media suppliers/supermarkets warn of rising prices because of the terrible weather and poor harvests, and we have the evidence of the paucity of fruit in our own garden. The heavy Spring rain knocked the blossom of the trees, and that was that. It came down like stair-rods.
This is the first time in our seven years here that the apple harvest in our orchard has failed. We hope for better next year. In the meantime, I warm from the glow of the photographs above. I can just about taste that gelato!
Posted by: Clive Hicks-Jenkins | October 19, 2012 at 07:54 AM
What a wonderful time of the year...my favorite! Also best birthday season.. 3 of my favorite people in the world.....miss you two!!!,
Posted by: Kathy b. Hughes | October 20, 2012 at 07:12 PM