For many of us, this past summer has been exceptionally long and miserably hot. I have never been a great fan of summer, this one hung on with steely hot tentacles and grudgingly finally left us about a week ago. While I knew that it was Fall as of September 22, someone forgot to tell Mother Nature here in California.
However, I believe the message has been received and we are starting to feel the autumnal changes in the air. Leaves are starting to turn shades of gold and red, while other trees are holding on for awhile yet. My neighborhood has many trees and each year, I can tell you which liquid amber will start the color show with its vibrant display. There are others that come after that have no real color, but from one day to the next, you can witness them shedding their leaves. The large trees on my street are some of last to turn and every year I appreciate them taking their time, as they spread out the autumn show for all to see. As I usually take a vacation in the Fall, it is pleasure to return home and usually see my street finish the autumn show.
The back yard is still a hive of activity, with bees happily moving from one wildflower to the next to get their fill of the essential nectar. William, the once very active beagle that runs the house and yard, had an issue with digging when he was younger. In a valiant attempt to save plants, the center flower bed was cordoned off in the small back yard. This year, knowing that the new October Glory maple tree would not be large enough to cast glorious shade, I sprinkled wildflower seed in the area and watched the flowers take hold and blossom. And oh my, what a show it has been to see the bees and other pollinators stop and feed and in some small way feel that we are making a difference.
I welcome the autumnal change that this year, however late in coming and embrace all that the season offers with cooler weather, baking, pumpkins, falling leaves, candy corn, tea and a sense of coziness. Happy Fall!
