Fall is in the Air

One nice thing about living surrounded by nature is the noting of subtle changes
as the seasons unfold. There is a moment in mid-August that always alerts one
that summer is ending. Perhaps it is a cooler than expected morning, although the
day can still be hot. Perhaps it is the cooler feel as the sun goes down, heat
suddenly dissapating. I always look for the early red leaves on one or two trees
or for scarlet leaves that appear in the underbrush. More than once I have ventured
out in the woods to see what is catching my eye, always startled to think color is
appearing so soon. I have a hickory tree by the front door, and this year the nuts
are bigger than ever it seems. I pick them up so Billy can mow more easily, and since
they have been falling for over a month now, I get some good waistline exercise. Today
I noted the squirrels have finally gotten around to them, and my job is over. There
are a few pine stumps around, and the squirrels use them for tables to dine ...there
is always a residue of cracked nuts atop them.

I went to survey my neighbor's pear tree, and it is quite full, but they are smaller
this year. I am allowed to pick up those that fall, and it seems everytime I go
there this strong breeze comes from nowhere, shakes the tree, and all these lovely
pears fall to the grass below. Isn't that amazing how these strong winds come along!

By the drive, two trees have almost shed all their leaves, and one oak is ready to
turn, framed by very green trees. In a few days I will have this wonderful painting
seen through the picture window in my sitting room.

Then there is my tiny green lizard, who hangs out by the back door. I dug up the
hydrangea bush two weeks ago, and gave it away. It was becoming so ragged. Little
green lizard loved to sleep on a hydrangea leaf. Many a hot day I would pass him by
and notice how green blended into green. Today I saw him on the bush I
replace his pad with, and he gave me a wink, as to say he was still around and
liked the new space. I have so many birds and squirrels that take no notice of me,
afterall, I am just a visitor to their place on earth. As Colette would write..
"Earthly Paradise", her ode to her mother's gardening skills, and her own early life.