Looking for the Early Signs of Fall, as I see it.

It's such a delightful morning out here today. The time reads 9:59, and the temperature is a pleasant 81 degrees. I'm truly appreciating it. I've opened my doors and windows (if only for a short while), and my husband has gone to the college to set up his information booth.

I'm hoping he remains safe – talking about Israel is not a popular subject on college campuses at the moment.

Recently, we experienced a quirky little weather system that dropped around 100 raindrops, if that! It did create some stunning skies and a rainbow. Sadly, as it was a dry lightning storm, it caused some fires that were quickly addressed.

At this time of year, a bit of rain would be helpful, but that's not typical for our climate. We experience dry conditions for eight months of the year and then have wet and cooler weather for the remainder.

I gazed up the street ☝☝☝

I gazed down the street👇👇👇

A little more than 100? 

The scent of fresh pavement after the rain saturated the air and awakened my senses, which heightened my enthusiasm for the upcoming months when our rainy season kicks into gear! (Oct/Nov)

Petrichor is the smell of rain when it falls on dry ground. It consists of geosmin from blue-green algae and bacteria, ozone from lightning, and volatile oils from plants.

Not particularly remarkable. I purchased some marigolds and alyssum to place in my rusty old wheelbarrow, but ended up forgetting to plant them while they were fresh and in bloom.  😏 Three days later, they were wilting in the 100-degree heat. I finally planted them, and gradually they are starting to revive.

Since my husband set up the new drip lines around the trees, the vinca has started to decline. And we are THRILLED about it. Of course, they will come back in the spring, and the fight will once again begin.

The green vinca flourishes right by the edge of the drip line -It feels as if they’re taunting us, saying, 

“Haha! You can’t shake us off that easily!”

If you deny this water-loving pest its precious moisture, it will enter a state of dormancy, biding its time until the next rainy season arrives.

It’s starting to get pretty dry up on the hill!

These are two of our five goldfish! They're growing fast. 

At the moment, this is the birdbath, a cherished spot where birds meet up and visit.  It's the watercooler of the bird world. 

Wow, look at that vinca on this side of our hill due to the drip lines that snake around the trees! More trees and shrubs on this side. 

I’m still pondering what creative adventure this pot might lead me on! I've got to tackle the issue of the spray paint splatters scattered all over it! 

I plan to put something in it. I checked the nursery and considered a Camellia, but they asked for $89.99. I need to ponder that.

Mom's mini roses have been thriving and blooming beautifully ever since we arrived here (17 years), and a few years before that. I always say, you can always count on the roses! Their vibrant colors and delicate petals have always been a cherished part of our modest garden, filling the air with their fragrance

New life. 

As the weather grows colder, my roses thrive and reach their peak in the winter.  By this time of year, they're somewhat spent. 

The pink oleanders burst forth with just a sprinkle of blooms.

I can feel the subtle transformations nature brings just by strolling through my yard. When you take the time to observe, you will notice countless changes. The geese are flying in their V formation, and their calls are a true sign of Autumn. The soil is dry, and the trees are eagerly anticipating the refreshing winter rain. I hear the sound of school buses in the neighborhood; (they relocated the bus stop from across the street, and I miss the children.) As I drive through the town, I notice the after-school soccer practices, and the aroma of freshly mowed grass transports me back to those busy days as a young Mom, filled with soccer games and practices. Although we may not have the dramatic changes seen in other regions, we certainly have our own signs. The trees are shedding their leaves from the top due to the summer heat, giving the impression of fall, although the colors won’t change until October or November. I'm noticing the cooler mornings, and I absolutely love it!

🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁

In my personal experience, I am also entering into what I see as a "new year." It seems I've adopted the Fall as a time for new beginnings - after my own years in school, living through my three sons' school years, and running a daycare, seems I've always viewed the school year as a fresh start. 

A fresh beginning for me is the launch of my Bible studies. Wow, there’s BSF, my women’s church group, picking up the book of Isaiah again, and our evening fellowship study of Acts at church. Hidden in the mix are my water aerobics class and my personal study time. It may seem overwhelming at times, but I already feel more energized than I did during a summer without these activities. I think it is when I come truly alive! 

I encourage you all to take the time to observe the first signs of autumn in your region. The passage between seasons is truly awe-inspiring - to witness nature's vibrant transformation as it shifts from one beautiful season to another.

What are the first signs (sights, smells, etc) you see in your area? 

Until Next Time,

Debby