September wind-down

The first week of autumn is coming to an ending there’s a notable change in the weather. The air smells different. There’s a distinct nip in the air in the early mornings. And, it’s hurricane season.

The planters on my deck are looking bedraggled now. This is one of the remaining marigolds, not yet pummelled by high winds. The flowers were huge and heavy so when “Fiona” barrelled through, most were knocked over or bent and broken. Still, compared to many other areas, we were quite unscathed by the event. The Northumberland Strait shores of New Brunswick, large parts of Nova Scotia, the entirety of Prince Edward Island, and most of Newfoundland, took the brunt of Mother Nature’s vengeance. Those areas had homes and businesses destroyed and whole communities were battered beyond recognition. Sadly a few people lost their lives. So, some downed tree branches and broken flowers become quite irrelevant in the greater scheme of things. Those who dispute the veracity of the topic of climate change are, quite simply, wrong.

I was able to hang onto a few blossoms and create a couple of images celebrating the changing of the seasons. It’s not quite leaf-peeping time as the annual autumn foliage displays are just starting now, but some are beginning to display their fall wardrobes.

I grew a few herbs this season – primarily my favourites – Parsley and Basil. Even the most mundane of subjects can be quite beautiful!

I drove around the rural area where we live yesterday hoping to see some more brilliant red, orange and gold leaves, but they’re not quite ready, yet. I am so fortunate to live in such a beautiful area. New Brunswick is often called the “pass-through” province as tourists get onto the 4-lane highway and rush off to the more well-known areas of Nova Scotia and PEI. They don’t know what they’re missing! That reputation is gradually changing with the promotion of such spots as the Fundy Trail Parkway, Fundy National Park, the Hopewell Rocks and the highest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy on our doorstep. Even bucolic agricultural scenes bring joy to those who venture onto the byways instead of the highways.

October can be one of the most beautiful months here in the Maritimes. The weather is usually pleasant in the daytime and cool at night. The bugs have gone away. The air is crisp and the colours are…. spectacular! It’s well worth a visit for sure.