We have quietly passed the equinox and sauntered into Autumn. Here and there one sees a bit of color, although mostly the foliage remains green. Down in the marsh herons and egrets of various stripes gathered in largish mixed flocks last week; when we looked for them yesterday they were gone and we assume they have begun the flight south.
After weeks of well above average temperatures the past few days were chilly, bringing our first truly autumnal rain. One evening was cold enough for us to have the first fire of the season in the hearth. Now we are forecast to have yet another extended period of well above average temperatures. This creates the paradox of mild temperatures that provide great creature comfort while being profoundly disturbing as a portent of things to come.
We have taken advantage of the continuing warmth to have early morning coffee with friends and family at the cafe on the harbor. We have mostly been able to comfortably sit outside and chat, although Wednesday was frigid and got everyone thinking about safe alternatives. This morning’s coffee was truly lovely except for the presence of too many yellow jackets, one of which stung Jennie when she picked up her coffee. Fortunately, the cafe manager came immediately to the rescue with an ice pack which Jennie applied to good effect most of the walk home.
About a week ago an intense storm ushered in the chilly air, breaking many limbs on our trees in the process. Today, although it is Sunday, a crew is here to clean up the mess. They are also bringing down a lovely dead tree that now threatens to fall on our deck. We prefer to keep dead trees as they are immensely useful to wildlife but there are times when that is simply ill advised. Sadly, our neighbor has also had to bring down several dead trees so there are now considerably fewer places for wildlife to hide, roost and nest.
Finally, my mother-in-law has given us her electric trike. She rode it over this morning and left it, thus finally getting it out of her garage. I imagine my riding it around will provide a few chuckles from our neighbors. For my part, being no longer able to ride my very heavy electric bike, the trike holds the promise of adventure. We are looking forward to riding the trike into Autumn. Fortunately, following months of effort, the bike has also found a new home.
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