There is something so endearing about this time of year here in Northern California. The dregs of summer are barely holding on in the garden with the last few tomatoes clinging to the withering vines, and a final clutch of cheery summer nasturtiums offering themselves up for gathering just as autumn creeps upon us.
It's funny to celebrate the colors of these few turning leaves when I think back on childhood memories of knee-deep piles of them, blown across from the woodland, only to settle in the front garden. There were many October Saturday mornings spent raking seemingly endless piles of oak leaves into the wheelbarrow in the company of my two younger sisters and my father. We made a game of it so that what would otherwise have been a wearisome task became a fun but exhausting rite of autumn.
Of course, that special golden light that rakes across our house in the afternoon is yet another undeniable signal that autumn is here. The intensely saturated sunsets too have been nothing short of spectacular as of late. I captured this one a few weeks ago on our travels home across the Bay.
And, although our daytime temperatures are mild at present, I am certain all of that will soon come to an end. Last night was the first night I felt as though I needed a blanket to get me through the cooler night air.
How is it where you live? Are you betwixt the seasons or did autumn arrive on cue with the calendar, in the latter part of September? Please, do tell me.
Summer's last nasturtiums gathered this morning and placed in an earthenware
vessel to brighten up the kitchen
vessel to brighten up the kitchen
Photo: Chronica Domus
Sweet White Currant tomatoes holding on for dear life
Photo: Chronica Domus
The subtle signs of autumn play 'peek-a-boo' with the foliage. Look here! The first wisteria leaflet splashed in warming shades of amber.
Aha, a turning leaf upon the climbing wisteria ...
Photo: Chronica Domus
... and here's another, signaling autumn's arrival
Photo: Chronica Domus
It's funny to celebrate the colors of these few turning leaves when I think back on childhood memories of knee-deep piles of them, blown across from the woodland, only to settle in the front garden. There were many October Saturday mornings spent raking seemingly endless piles of oak leaves into the wheelbarrow in the company of my two younger sisters and my father. We made a game of it so that what would otherwise have been a wearisome task became a fun but exhausting rite of autumn.
Of course, that special golden light that rakes across our house in the afternoon is yet another undeniable signal that autumn is here. The intensely saturated sunsets too have been nothing short of spectacular as of late. I captured this one a few weeks ago on our travels home across the Bay.
Photo: Chronica Domus
And, although our daytime temperatures are mild at present, I am certain all of that will soon come to an end. Last night was the first night I felt as though I needed a blanket to get me through the cooler night air.
How is it where you live? Are you betwixt the seasons or did autumn arrive on cue with the calendar, in the latter part of September? Please, do tell me.
Hello CD, Although I enjoy the crisp weather, it is always hard to say goodbye to the most bountiful season. Taiwan seems to be getting in the spirit also--yesterday the temperature dropped 10 degrees. Halloween is coming soon; you seem ready for it with those appropriately colored nasturtiums and that sunset!
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim,
DeleteWe are most fortunate here in Northern California because autumn brings its own bounty. On Saturday at the farmers' market, I noticed piles of chestnuts, gourds and squashes, pomegranates, and Brussels sprouts in abundance. And yes, I did procure a few pumpkins in time for Halloween.
Wrap up well now that Taiwan's temperatures are dropping (I do enjoy the crisp air at this time of year).
CD our weather has been more California-like than a typical Ontario September/October! We've had an unusually warm autumn, it's been very, very warm and our leaves are not down at all. I'm starting to think it will never happen, it's not even cooling down at night!
ReplyDeleteVery strange. We spent a week in Scotland which seemed very October-ish and then came home to more of this. I'm ready for chilly weather and the smell of wood smoke in the neighbourhood! xx
Hello Dani,
DeleteI'm surprised to learn that you are experiencing a warm autumn in Ontario. The world of weather is so unpredictable nowadays it seems.
I do hope you'll be posting on your trip to Scotland soon. Will make for a fun post or two.
Welcome back and yes, I'm with you, looking forward to lighting the first fire of the season, very soon I hope!
Korea has the best autumns. It’s sunny, crisp, and 21 everyday. I can’t tell you how perfect it is but then a whiff of stinky ginkgo leaves sometimes pokes your nose!
ReplyDeleteAre you in Korea now, Naomi? What a treat. I had no idea Ginkgo was stinky!
DeleteHere in McCloud, really Northern California, the frost arrived very early in September. The zinnias were gone so soon, zapped by four nights of frost in a row. The hydrangeas are pitiful to see...all dried up and yellow. But the fall color is spectacular. As I look out my window and see Mt. Shasta with a beautiful dusting of snow and all the colorful trees, I have to appreciate the change of season.
ReplyDeleteOh, McCloud must be a gorgeous autumn vision with all the color and Mt. Shasta as a backdrop. I recall visiting your little town several years ago and stopping off at the mercantile store for ice cream because it was an insanely hot day. We were visiting a family member who was a fireman in your town.
DeleteI am lucky enough to live on Cape Cod year-round and I just love it! However, foliage has been sparse and few leaves have turned, never mind fallen! Lots of the maples have turned and they are spectacular this year! But the weather has been just beautiful and I have been to the beach (1/2 mile from my house) in September and October which I have never been able to do before this year! The farmer's markets are still growing strong and I was able to get to Annie's Crannies - a local cranberry grower who inherited her bogs through her grandfather who also worked the bogs and was a legend in his time and Annie was in the store yesterday, too! Just a lovely woman! Also bought some of her honey to help with my allergies and it just tastes so good. Had a lovely day driving up and down Rt. 6A - the real Cape Cod - stopping at different shops and "helping the local economy" as I rationalize it. Cold nights but no frost yet - the first frost in New England is typically in November. Looking forward to Thanksgiving - a big holiday here in Massachusetts and througout New England.
ReplyDeleteHello Susan Ferguson,
DeleteWhat a delightful trip you write about, exactly the type I enjoy. Cranberry harvesting, would you believe, is on my wish list of things to do one of these days. I'm sure it's easier to walk into your local store and purchase them directly from the grower so how lucky you are.
Sounds like autumn is around the corner in Cape Cod. I am sure when it arrives it will be quite lovely.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you come back again and often!