You ask about autumn in New York. The leaves are definitely falling today. The temperature is dropping, as I hear the wind battering my building.

I hope you have a chance to go to Wave Hill when you’re in the city (I assume that’s what you meant by NY). Your description of your studies of Cornell brought it to mind.

-Happy Thanksgiving

Say it ain’t so. I’d put money down that plants will push their way right back into the center of your life in some form or other. Your passion is evident in your writing: what you write about and how you write about it.

And I second Dick whole-heartedly: “Posts like this help raise ephblog to a level more commensurate with what one would hope to be seen as the rewards of a Williams education.”

Whoa there Larry, who said anything about a doctorate? I am getting a masters . . . of sorts. I study the PR effect of a type of educational program at public gardens. My program trains management of sorts; everything I do that relates to plants is, in fact, strictly outside the realm of my studies.

Yes, the architect I mentioned above, Robert, is the cousin of my father. I forgot that you all can’t see my last name, whoops.

Thanks for a lovely illustrated walk and the humanity of your observations.

Posts like this help raise ephblog to a level more commensurate with what one would hope to be seen as the rewards of a Williams education.

What will your doctorate be in? Selfishly, I am hoping that it will be something that requires fieldwork in some exotic place so that we can go for e-walks with you there.

My friend who saw your pictures over my shoulder wondered about the range of the shagbark hickory. She is looking for the perfect tree to give her sister to plant near a new house in mid-coastal Maine (other suggestions gratefully received, she adds). Handsome specimen that Cornell one is.

I am looking forward to your thoughts about paid social staff, as well.

Thanks for taking us on your walk.

In particular, I note the work of Lee Bontecou. She has received some rather belated and well deserved attention in the last few years, and I’d love to see her unusual sculpture up close.

Mmmm, another lovely walk from you, albeit a bit less humid one this time.

Fall is also my favorite time of year, and you have captured it so well. I’ve never seen Cornell, but this makes me want to visit. I will at least check out the museum online. Is the architect a relation?

What I really note in your writing, here, and in the Orchid piece, is a deep passion for your work. I’m actually planning a simple post about the process of choosing a major, and hope to hear more from you about this.

Thanks so much for the stroll. The crisp air feels great!