Late Summer

As I went on my morning walk with the Dogs this morning, even with a tropical South Wind blowing her powerful, melodious song through the Trees, there was yet a sad and nostalgic feeling of Fall in the Air.

On the other hand, the strange, wistful and sad feeling is accompanied by anticipation of a new Season, one which promises stews by the Fire and warm, woolly sweaters on chilly mornings.

There are very few mosquitoes these days. The days are mellow and warm...sometimes even Rain makes an appearance.  The garden looks better than it has all Summer. Some of the Shrubs I planted did not make it through the hot drought we experienced here in the Cariboo.


But I live in eternal hope.  I have pruned them back, these Shrubs, and there are small, new leaves appearing on some of them. So they haven't entirely departed this Earth.

I have a huge bowl of Tomatoes, with more ripening in the greenhouse. There have been Cucumbers, Green Beans and Peppers.  I have even attempted Edemame Beans this year and each plant has a few ripening Beans.


On our walk, I pick up large pieces of ash which are attributed to a catastrophic house Fire just down the road.  The house burned right to the ground; only the stark, lonely fireplace still stands sentinel over the blackened area.


I remember how anxious I became, on Sunday, as I watched a huge plume of dark smoke billowing up into a cloudless Sky, when our neighbour's house caught Fire. The Fire Trucks' horns were screaming, but at first, there was nothing visible...and then we heard a blast. At that point, because the smoke was in the same area, I thought it was the gas pipeline, which runs right beside the burning home.


The Firemen did not manage to save the tinder dry home; but the barn and outbuildings were saved, and there were no injuries.  The Fire did not spread, beyond the house's footprint.  Still...it was a sad Day.


I notice how some of the Leaves are turning on the Aspen Trees. The Cariboo is spectacular in Autumn. It is fleeting, as is the full, first flush of Spring...yet Creator uses His paintbrush to its utmost creative capabilities for a month or so, before the Cold enters.


I remember how, last year, the view of the landscape and the feeling surrounding me tugged at my heart strings. The golden Hills, the deep blue Autumn Sky and the golden Aspens present a warm, serene Light and a welcoming feeling in the midst of one's insides. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing Creator's harmony in colour once again.

I will miss the variety of Birds, however, over the coming Winter. Just the other day, as I stood with my hand on the railing, and looking to the side, I felt a featherlight touch on the back of my hand. I turned my head...and there was a tiny Nuthatch who had alighted upon my hand.


How light he was! Astonished, I looked at him, just as he was at me. I'm not sure how long we looked at each other...it was a few minutes...but I left the incident feeling all was right in my World!


A part of the sad nostalgia I feel at this time of year is linked to the ending of the gardening season. After Snow flies, it will be many months before I see anything resembling Soil again. 


During the coming Days, I will begin to put the garden to bed. I will tuck mulch around the vulnerable new plantings, and prune to below where I think Snow cover will be.

And I will make new Beds, extending the ones already there. A larger Bed will hold more moisture than the smaller ones, during the drought-laden coming months. Once again, Bulbs will be planted...I believe Owl and Hawk have done their jobs and kept the Squirrel population down. 


Perhaps, with fingers crossed, I will have Daffodils and Tulips in the coming Spring.



Endings, in most cases, promise some sadness. I feel wistful when I think Summer is over.

But they also promise new beginnings...a complete and perfect circle.

"Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature's delight.  Marcus Aelius Aurelius


And so it is.

A Golden Light

We are presently enjoying the most wonderful Autumnal weather.  Cold in the mornings, warm in the afternoons, and cool in the evenings...perfect conditions for a beautiful Fall.

Chrysanthemums are unfolding their frilly heads, in my garden. Sunflowers don't seem to mind a bit of Frost. They have bloomed all Summer, through drought, Hail, and Wind Storms. And even so, their bright, inquisitive heads peer through foliage, cheering my Heart...my Soul.

The Aspens, the Birches, the foliage of Rose and Saskatoon and Blueberry...all glow golden in the morning Sun, with a deep, deep blue Sky as a backdrop. I am astounded to find tears in my eyes, some mornings when I stand with my cup of coffee in hand, and survey the lower Forest. The golden light seems to shine profoundly within me and I stretch my arms to embrace it, sending gratefulness to the beams of Light. 

Tomatoes, in large pots on the deck, did not do well. There was no vegetable plot; against my better judgement, I planted seedlings in big pots. I believe Tomato requires the nutrients a good garden soil provides, over a wider area than a receptacle can possibly give. The soil lends flavour.

 
However, the plants produced a bowl of wonderful green Tomatoes. I use these to add acidity to a casserole or stew, both of which are served often, in the cool of the evening. 

I have a pair of huge Ferns, hanging by the front door.  I must bring them in, I think, as I water them during the warm afternoon. Where will I put them? They will take up a corner of a room easily. It remains a conundrum.
 
I have delineated garden beds, with our own homegrown Boulders and filled them with soil. The garden begins to take shape, filling an empty well in my Soul. 


Hydrangeas, which I bought lavishly in the Spring, now bloom profusely...still in their pots. I feel an urgent need to plant them; their messages cannot be ignored any longer.

I bought bags of Daffodil bulbs in Town the other day, remembering my vow to plant them throughout the Forest. I did not buy near enough to fulfil my pledge, yet it is a beginning. Even if their golden heads will sway and nod much later here than on the Island...to me, they herald Spring. No matter how late it might be.


I notice Squirbel on his usual hunt and hide.  I send good energy towards him; he stops his busy movements and looks my way.  I think...Perhaps he is crabby because he was thrown out of his nest, when his kittens were born, as all male Squirrels are. Now, perhaps, he hasn't yet found himself a new abode...it would make anyone anxious.


The impossible red hue of the Geraniums comes into view. Red Geraniums have followed me everywhere I have lived...only the true red variety, however. The colour is strong, seeming to be lit from within, sending rays of powerful energy my way. 


The blaze of red is the first plant I see when I return home. Geranium welcomes me with her fiery, warm heart, telling me I am home, safe and sound. My plans for her include placing her near our Guardian Boulder so she can send her lovely energy to visitors and passersby.

Upon looking skyward, I see the bronzed gold of the Aspens etched against the deep blue horizon...and suddenly, it feels like I have been sent a message from Creator.  My heart lifts.



It is difficult to imagine the snowy landscape that will greet me, in the not too distant future.  These days are balmy and sweet; I won't think about raging blizzards and long, dark days ahead. Instead, I will just enjoy.


There is much to be said for the here and now.


And so it goes...