Embracing autumn

Okay, I can handle it now.

A big storm came through right after that last post. The world was dreary and dark. It seemed like we'd never see sunlight again.

But, as they always do, the storm passed and we're now in the magical time of autumn. The sun's rays are hitting the yard in a new angle, illuminating the grass and garden and trees in a new way. The dew sits on the grass longer each morning, and the lawn is thicker and greener in the new cool weather than it was during the hot dry summer.

This morning, while mowing the lawn, I noticed the first fall crocus poking their heads up through the mulch. I love these little guys, and have trouble finding them for sale anywhere. That's an understatement, actually. I've NEVER seen them for sale anywhere!

Woolly-bear caterpillars are making their way across the roadways everywhere. I need a bumper sticker that says "Caution: brakes for caterpillars." Because I do. I admit it!

Grapes are ripening, tomatoes everywhere, pumpkins turning orange. It really does look like the season has changed in my yard. I'm glad, really.

Does anyone have a great recipe for zucchini bread? I have a decent recipe, but not a great one. I look forward to your contributions!

Newsflash! It's winter!

Chirp-chirp is in the dining room, sorting through her new school binders and paper, pens and pencils, getting her gear ready for the start of school tomorrow.
Suddenly I hear...

"OH MY GOSH!"
"IT'S WINTER!!!"

It's only 3:40 and she needs to turn on the light to see what she's doing.
The summer sun is gone.

I bought a few rust-colored mums at the hardware store today.
When did I start buying old lady flowers? Am I entering my own winter, too?

Autumn is my very favorite season. Why am I so reluctant to welcome it this year? I usually revel in the cooler weather, I'm like a happy little aster awakening after the heat and heaviness of the summer. But this year, autumn just looks like winter in training.

Maybe making an apple pie will turn my spirits around. Too bad I don't have any apples. I do have some marshmallows left over from camping. They'll go stale soon, so I guess I'll make some Rice Crispy treats instead.

Nope, just not ready for summer to end.

What do you mean I don't have a choice?!!

Honey

I did it.

I was really really scared, but I did it. While Mr. Boom and Chirp-chirp watched from the safety of the indoors, I went back out to the beebox (fully suited up this time), and grabbed myself a big old box full of honey and bees, and carried it back up to the porch. I smoked out the bees and I got me some honey.

I did it.

Sweet, sweet, sweet success!

This will make the appointment with the hand surgeon
on the 15th much easier to bear. I'll just lie back and think of honey...