September has arrived

I knew it was happening. The last couple of days of August there was a change in the light, the wind felt stronger, the humidity died down and there was a nip in the air. This morning I woke up to September. Although summer isn’t technically over for three more weeks, and we will still have a few very warm days before true autumn sets in, this transition period is a mixed blessing for sure. We have time to find that extra sweater, and actually wear it, while still sporting sandals in defiance against the departure of summer.

Last Saturday I went for a pedal through the Sussex Nature Trail. Despite the fact that we have had sporadic heavy rains, the water level in Trout Creek is still very low. I caught a reflection of the surrounding trees in the water, but in previous years that grassy patch at the back would have been under water.

Meanwhile, that other harbinger of autumn, the brightly coloured brown-eyed Susans, are displaying their brilliance in the afternoon sun.

Wee bees are making the most of the weather, munching down on whatever they can find in preparation for the colder season ahead. I find I want to nest too – and have resumed baking in preparation for the colder months, although it’s not quite time yet.

There’s still lots of time to enjoy sitting out on the deck, warm coffee or tea in hand, to enjoy reading, or just relaxing. Time outside is precious at this time of year. There’s a different energy in September as we cling to the remnants of summer.