On one of my last morning walks before I fractured my arm, I took this photo of one of our downtown planters.

Portulaca is one of the hardier flowers in our area, and often will continue to bloom after a couple of light frosts. The colours actually become more vibrant later in autumn.

I’ve attempted a few shorter walks since my left arm has been casted. It didn’t turn out well, as I was unable to control my pace and would often catch myself swinging my casted arm. This resulted in extreme discomfort by day’s end.

The cast comes off Monday, and I’ll have to wear a splint for a while. I’m sincerely looking forward to resuming my power walking once we arrive in South Texas later this month.

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”

Lauren DeStefano