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.
Dreaming the World 
Nice to hear from you. I don’t know if you caught my post about being exposed to covid and having to cancel our plans to spend a week in Maine. Very frustrating but we are planning on doing the trip next September. And life moves on – and I am doubling down on safety measures (even though I was exposed by a vaccinated friend).
Oi! We are trying to be careful but there are many breakthrough cases. I missed that post and am sad to hear you had to postpone. Maine is so beautiful! I hope to get the booster this week……
We will get a booster as soon as we can.
Lovely piece, thank you. Hope the trike works out. I was able to keep peddling all summer but getting up neighborhood hills means sometimes I have to walk m’bike. The electric versions are beckoning—maybe when I turn 69!
Hi Cynthia, Thank you. I bought my first electric bike when I was in my mid sixties. It was a fabulous investment. Now bikes are simpler, less expensive, and much lighter, and they really help on hills. I only use the motor boost when I need it.
Woo-hoo! That electric trike sounds fantastic. May it take you many places.
If we can figure out how to lift the seat we will be in business!
Go, go, go!
I look forward to hearing of your cycle-travels. Hopefully it will move faster than those yellowjackets.
Me as well, assuming we figure out how to raise the seat. I am well over a foot taller than the prior owner……
I did not know what a trike was and Google helped me to know more about it 🙂 I also looked up images of Yellow jacket, it is a very expressive name. I liked your post. Thank you.
Lakshmi, it is lovely to hear from you. We are trying to repair the trike so it is useable. The Yellowjacket’s are now mostly hibernating as nights are cold. Yellow Jackets are small, less than an inch in length, but have a very painful bite.