Meditation On Fall

goldenrod
turns the field bright yellow
the moon is full

We’ve had a very tolerable summer here in Virginia. There’ve been a few short heat waves that have been replaced by glorious cool spells, lower humidity. Weekly rains of half an inch or more have kept me from having to water the garden. Temperatures in the eighties have been manageable. The garden is looking a lovely green. I’m not a “Summer in Virginia” fan but this one was certainly delightful compared to so many others I’ve lived through.

cool night air
trace of frost on grass
toad sleeps deeply

My favorite season is upon us. Nights are cool enough to open windows, turn the A/C off, use a  blanket. The yellow school bus is back, picking up and dropping off neighborhood kids wearing light sweaters in chilly morning air. The dogwood leaves are deep red. I can see the green of other trees and shrubs fading as I travel up and down neighboring hills. Walking in the early morning is a perfect way to honor each new day.

leaves drop
scratching the window pane
wind from the north

I’m interested in cooking again.  My favorite things to make during cold months are soups, stews and braises.  I’m tired of salads, though late winter will find me longing for spring greens and juicy, red tomatoes. Local peaches are about gone and if you can find them, are mealy, unappealing. At the farmer’s market bins overflow with apples, winter squash, potatoes, onions, aromatic garlic, beets. As the days cool further, cold weather crops like broccoli will return with brussel sprouts, cabbage, spinach, and kale.

feather quilt
pulled over my head
bear hibernates

 Soon we’ll be raking leaves, stacking firewood close to the house. Hot steamy cups of tea replace the iced variety I brew every day in summer. I switch to PJs with sleeves, keep a quilt nearby should nights grow colder than expected. Max and Sam cuddle closer. Through the open widow I smell wood burning in my neighbor’s fireplace.

from the chimney
smells of oak and poplar
fox hunts nesting mice

 Early morning walks with Sam and Max in the dark. It’s harder to get out of bed before the sun rises. I’ll take more naps. Evenings will find me heading for bed earlier as the light dies.  My eyes want to close as I read.
Every night the same paragraph over and over again without moving forward.

tea grows cold
book open on the bed
afternoon nap

     Energy surges with brisk walks. It’s time to shut down the garden. Cut back dead flower heads, prune this and that. I make notes of what to replace in spring. Plan on ferns and woodland flowers as tree canopies spread.

autumn rain
my feet cold and damp choose
soft woolen socks

       HAPPY FALL EVERYONE!
HOPE YOU ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I DO.