Thoughts of Autumn

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.  For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."   Edwin Way Teale, 1899-1980, American naturalist, photographer and author

A whisper of autumn is in the air, even in these sunny, humid last days of summer.  It's a little darker in the morning, and the profusion of root vegetables and apples is a definite sign of the coming new season.  I've gotten out some heavier sweaters and socks, and the evenings are crisp and cool.  The leaves are just beginning to have scarlet tinges to them, and are falling to the ground.

I'm reflecting on the most beautiful summer in my recent memory, with long, sunny days, warm weather, and profuse garden crops. I remember many trips to the beach house, cooking meals with fresh produce, and naps in the afternoon.  My summer books are mostly read, and I enjoyed them all.  The dog had dozens of trips to both new and old parks this summer, and she is fit and trim and happy to go along with us just about anywhere.

Now we turn our efforts to preserving summer' bounty, putting in some autumn crops and planting spring bulbs.  We will be stacking wood, getting the wood stove ready for cold weather, and gathering together.