Leaves of Change

As Autumn arrives the leaves change in colors some times as if by magic. Depending on the sunlight and temperature there can be a drastic change in their appearance. Green leaves yesterday may be a bright yellow or red today. Nature never reacts the same each time, so it's always a bit of a surprise. 

As an observer, I find delight in the subtle and not so subtle details of nature. Our chipmunks and squirrels are very busy now hiding their winter treasure troves of food. Many trips are made to and from the bird feeder.  They find a plentiful variety of wild berries, seeds and nuts on our plants and trees. We humans are busy this time of year completing our outdoor projects while we enjoy these warm days of the season. 

Change is in the air though, the crisp mornings are followed by warm days and we are trying to enjoy them as much as possible.  They've predicted a cold and wet winter, but we shall see! 

Tonight we'll see the Harvest Moon shining bright in the sky. The days are growing shorter and I think we've had our last summer like day until next spring. The consolation is that cooler days are tempered by the warm sunshine. The young ducks and geese have all learned how to master flying and will soon be leaving us too. The changes continue. 

 

No Trick or Treating this year so no excuse to buy all that candy. So many changes, yet so much stays the same. I'll be making a wish on the Harvest Moon tonight for only good changes from now on!

Take care, wear a mask and stay safe. ~ Diane

A New Season

A New Season is almost upon us.  Autumn will be here soon and the last days of summer are being enjoyed and treasured. They'll be locked away in our memories and brought back mid-winter to revel in again. 

Last year many things were left undone as both myself and my husband had health issues. It was very difficult getting the normal summer projects finished so this year we are playing catch up. We've had time at home to work at our own pace. I won't dwell on our health problems but if you weren't aware my husband had two eye surgeries to help with his Grave's disease.  I had a hole in my retina and had laser surgery on one eye.  Needless to say these were set backs for both of us.  We were looking forward to a nicer year that we could get out and enjoy things we'd missed out on last year.  Covid had other plans. So far we have avoided it by being extremely careful when we go out, (which we do rarely).

 One thing I've noticed is the many birds we've had this year. Just last week these little guys were flying all over the place. Not sure what type of bird this is but it's sure cute!  The flowers were let go last year and this year they have co-mingled in a wild and crazy way. The Phlox, wild Boneset (Eupatorium),and the Chelone (Turtlehead), Virginia Creeper and Hosta have all mixed in with the Zigzag Goldenrod. 

I love the gardens though. They are not manicured and maybe a bit wild but I appreciate how nature sometimes just takes control and goes on. Nature finds a path forward no matter what.  It's a good lesson for us to understand during these wild and unpredictable times. 

Autumn, a new season, I'm looking forward to it. 

How about you?