Putting Away Summer

This was the last weekend of September, usually saved for putting away all of my summer decorations, outdoor furniture, and for dismantling my garden.  It's a bittersweet time for me--I know time and seasons move on, but I am reluctant to let summer go each year.

It was the best summer of my life this year, having quit my job in April and then having all of these months to plant a garden, savor each and every lovely day, and get control back of my life.  Retirement is a wonderful thing, and I'm so glad I went ahead and dove headfirst into The Slow Life. Permanently.

Here's the deck with its Autumn decorations--everything from dried hydrangea blooms to sugar pumpkins and seasonal pillows (oh yes, and a dog!).  It looks inviting out there, and I know I'll still have some days ahead to enjoy crisp and sunny weather, bundled up in a warm sweater and sipping a spiced apple cider.