Cleaning up

The garden clean up is underway.

I stop for butterflies.
I stop for birds.
I stop for drinks of water.

Evening Monarchs?

The sun was setting.

I thought the Monarchs looked different.

Mon@rch let me know these are not

Monarchs,

messengers of Autumn.

These are Viceroy Butterflies.

Thank you, Tom, for letting me know.

I am so pleased to have the Viceroy.

I am so pleased to learn.

Apples

To celebrate the first day of Autumn

we went to the Cider Mill.

The cider is made from
locally grown apples.

We bought apples, cider, apple butter
and apple pancake mix.
The apple donuts we ate in the car.

It is apple festival time.

Autumn

Venus was watching,
in the eastern morning sky,
when the Lady of the Harvest
opened her cloak.

In the whisper of the leaves,
I heard her voice,
"This is the story of the standing stones.
Listen to the ancient ones.
Listen to the trees.

Listen to the Dragonflies.

Listen to the breeze."

Hello, Autumn.
Tell me your story.
I am listening.

Back in the dirt

The Rosemary was calling to me.
The garden path was covered in weeds.
I began digging them out.

Once I uncoverd a small area I saw the Praying Mantis.
I have been looking for the Mantis.
I had looked in the ivy and on the zinnias.

I am happy to see the Mantis.
I do love them.
Friend of the gardener, ancient insect.

I turned my head when the Mantis went on
and a Black Swallowtail flew in.

I am back in the dirt.
I am back gardening.
I can hear the plants call again.

Hummingbird in the zinnias

I put my gardening apron on.
I was going to spend some time
with the Rosemary.


I had my tools in my pockets.
The camera in my hand.

As I approached the Rosemary I saw movement.
Hummingbird was in the zinnias.
I sat down in the grass.

I did not want to bother her.
I just wanted to watch.

Turn..turn..turn

She is passing.
She is changing.
The wheel is turning.

For every thing
There is a season.
A time for every purpose.

Goodbye Summer

I nodded my head,
a breeze from the east
came through the garden.

Silently she folded her petals,
her ripe seeds fell
on moist ground.

Without fanfare,
she floated away.
Farewell Summer.

International Peace Day

Blessed are the peacemakers.

A week in review

Butterfly wings

The Painted Ladies returned today.
I had not seen them since June.

They were with the Pearl Crescents,
the Swallowtails and the Monarchs.

The Gray Hairstreaks also returned.
I had not seen them since last October.

They were with the Eastern Tailed-blues.

Butterflies in all sizes and colors grace my gardens.

I am in awe.

Red-Breasted Nuthatch

I heard a different call.
The Red-Breasted Nuthatch
flew in.

He is new to the back yard.

I hope he stays for the Winter.

Swallowtails

I spent my afternoon
with the Swallowtails.

Two Giant Swallowtails
claimed the zinnias by the back sidewalk.

Two Black Swallowtails
claimed the zinnias by the back patio.


A female Tiger Swallowtail
share the zinnias on the east side
with the Monarchs.

I am keeping my eye out for the Spice Bush Swallowtail.
Her host plants are growing very nicely.

White

The Moon Flower drew me to her.
Her scent drifted through the window.



The white roses scented
the deck and my hair.

Miniature Crepe Myrtle

are part of the understorey in the Lilac bed.

The Cabbage White butterflies
danced in the morning sun.

The gardens are wearing white after Labor Day.

I am walking again in the mornings. I am bringing in Autumn. Come walk with me.

Thank you

The wind is gusting.
Thundershowers are in the forecast.



I am saying, "thank you".
I know the days of Swallowtails
are coming to an end.

The female black Tiger Swallowtail
has delighted me all summer.

I am grateful.
I have learned all things are possible.

Anticipation

I awoke before sunrise.
I was full of joyful
anticipation.

I quickly dressed and did my morning chores.
I wanted to be outside when the birds woke.
I wanted to sit with the morning.

I did not know what today's event would be.
I did not know what I was waiting for.
Perhaps it is Autumn.

Perhaps Summer is dancing her last dance.

I do not know.
I am full of joyful anticipation.