Messing Around before the Next Snow

Most of our local wildflowers have acknowledged that summer is over and have gone to seed, as you can see from the dandelion and milkweed above.  Others are not so sure.  The top photo shows some newly-formed seed pods of filaree, AKA Storksbill, but the second photo, taken just a foot away from the first one, shows that some are still blooming.  The bud of a cultivated peony surrounded by fresh-looking green foliage gives an impression of spring.  There were several large, white blooms on this plant.  They'll undoubtedly perish quickly if we get a significant snowfall this weekend. 
Having grown up in New England, known for its unpredictable weather, I guess I have an enduring fascination with changes of season and the unpredictable nature of them in the mountains.  While we're expecting a storm here at the 3,500' elevation, tomorrow I'm driving down to the Chico area, below 1,000', where they never get a true winter.  In fact, the forecast calls for a 60-degree high and possibly a warm sprinkle.  Compared to Quincy, it will look quite green and, as far as I'm concerned, it's the beginning of spring.  I hope I get time to tip over a few logs and rocks and photograph some bugs.  In Quincy, most are already secure in their winter resting places.