Yes, it’s autumn. So it came as no surprise when Photo Blogging Challenge organizer PJ announced It’s Fall, Y’all as the theme for October. Here in Alberta, autumn leaves are pretty much all on the ground by the end of September. This year, warmer temperatures hung around through much of October. So I found some appropriate photography subjects, both locally and while traveling a bit.

Digression

Early in October, my parents messaged me with a request for a FaceTime. While they’re always open to a FT, they rarely ever ask for a FT, so I knew something was up. Sure enough, they had reluctantly decided they needed to ask for help. Mom had to go off a very effective medication earlier in the summer due to untenable side effects. She quite precipitously went from fairly abled to fairly disabled. They were overwhelmed.

I traveled to BC to spend most of a week with them. Sure enough, they needed help on multiple fronts. Watching Mom trying to move around I kept thinking, please don’t fall, y’all. I organized a bunch of meals into the freezer and arranged for in home care for part of each day. The next week, my brother and his wife made physical changes to Mom and Dad’s home – grab bars, a recliner-lift chair, etc. The week after that, my sister and her husband arrived just in time to take Mom for her first round of a new medication and to put even more meals into the freezer.

It’s not been smooth sailing since then, but having someone come in every day – now twice/day – is allowing Mom and Dad to stay safely in their home as long as possible.

A second digression…

I’d been home for a few days after spending a week with Mom and Dad when I got a call from a Washington state number. It was “James Williams, from Microsoft”, calling at my mother-in-law’s request. He’d spoken with her at some length after her computer was “hacked by five Chinese hackers who accessed her wi-fi to steal her credentials”. She’d asked him to call me and let me know what was going on. And also to call my husband for the same reason.

Unfortunately, even after consistent coaching on how not to fall (to a social engineering scam) y’all, she gave away a LOT of personal information. Fortunately, there’s been no financial loss. But of course there’s been a loss of confidence, and a lot of hassle. With support, she’s now got a new email address, changed all her banking passwords, replaced her debit and credit cards, etc. However, her computer’s had to be wiped and now we’re transitioning her to using a tablet only for online banking, email, etc. We’re not yet done with the tablet training sessions, which I anticipate will require several visits.

Anyhow, the word “fall” has been on my mind for several reasons this month!

Main Event

Time now for the regular content of a Photo Blogging Challenge post! Here are five photos, depicting some of our fall experiences this year…

1. Aurora Borealis

The best time of year to see the northern lights in Alberta is from October through May. Although 2024 has been exceptional, due to many excellent viewing chances over the summer.

The first time I ever witnessed aurora borealis was early this October. Mr GeoK and I headed out around 9:30 one evening, prompted by an alert on a Facebook group that I follow. We enjoyed an amazing light show. While the foreground is a bit messy, this photo shows the northern lights at their brightest and most colorful that night.

2. Layers!

Outdoor adventures in the fall require layers, many in the morning, fewer as the day goes on. These side-by-side photos perfectly illustrate my point! On the left, Mr GeoK approaches Mine Meadow on our walk into Canmore town center. Then on the right, he’s leaving Mine Meadow on our walk home just a couple of hours later.

3. Last Ride of the Year

October is generally the month of our last bike ride of the year. 2024 was no exception. After I finally got my e-bike back from warranty servicing we rode the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail from Canmore to Cascade Ponds. I am so happy – my new e-bike finally works properly! It only took two service appointments and three re-calibrations, but now I’m all set for the 2025 cycling season.

Here’s Mr GeoK pedaling towards Cascade Mountain, which looms over Cascade Ponds. We enjoyed fall color on the trees and shrubs along the trail. Lobster mitts were essential. And we could sure tell it was fall – first ride all year when no de-layering was needed part way through the ride.

4. Fall = Family Time

Between Thanksgiving and a visit from our oldest and his partner, fall this year is synonymous with family time! Along with our youngest, we played several board games; worked together to set-up and populate a family media server; prepared and enjoyed delicious meals; and even got out on one hike.

This is the “before” group selfie before four of us tackled Ha Ling, just outside of Canmore. There is no “after” group selfie because two of us finished w…..a…..y after the other two! For more on this adventure, watch Mr GeoK’s Relive video recap.

Note to self – practice group selfies!! 😉

5. Fall = PPMI Time

In 2023, I volunteered for a long-term research study re: Parkinson’s (the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in North America). I signed-up shortly after my Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

One aspect of my participation is two days of in-hospital tests and assessments each fall. In late October, Mr GeoK and I flew to Seattle (nearest research site) for my annual appointments. He explored the city on his own the two days I was busy being poked, prodded and otherwise evaluated. Then I joined him for another day out and about in the Emerald City.

One highlight was a return visit to MoPOP (the Museum of Pop Culture). We enjoyed a guided architecture tour of the building, explored more of the permanent exhibits, and spent considerable time in the current special exhibit, featuring Keith Haring’s artwork.

There are several ways to participate in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) research study. For anyone over age 60 and resident in Canada or the US, one option is doing a scratch and sniff test. For US residents 18+, responding to a quarterly online survey can help. Learn more about the study here.

Final Words

That’s it! Five photos for fall! What’s fall like in your part of the world? Feel free to share with a comment. To check out fall photos from other challenge participants, visit A ‘lil HooHaa and look for the linkup at the bottom of the post.

Are you looking for a low key reason to get out and practice your photography? If so, please join us for the next round of the Photo Blogging Challenge! All you need are 5 photos and a blogging platform (there are some good free options out there). The amount of accompanying text is up to you. I am definitely on the wordy side! 😉 For November 2024, the theme is Gratitude. Thank you for at least thinking about joining our small – but very friendly – community.