We’ve had a beautiful summer this year. I hope yours was too. It was hot only about a week, with a few days that bounced into the high 80s for a few hours. Evenings were cool, great for sleeping.
We noticed many individual branches that had turned red or gold when we drove up north before the Fourth of July. We always see isolated branches turn early – but not until mid August. Early July? That’s early.
Fall is in the air here in southwest Michigan in early August. Do you know how the wind makes that special sound, only in the fall when the leaves are yet on the trees but it’s cool? You can hear how the trees feel fall in the wind with that special rustle. I heard that today. It’s early for fall, but the signs are there.
The first sign is the vine turning gold and red. Just a few leaves so far.
Vines Turning Red Early August 2013
The second sign is the walnut tree turning yellow.
Walnuts Turning Yellow Early August 2013
The glads are in full bloom. This neighbor sells them from a little table on the driveway. I need to stop and get some this week. Once the flowers bloom so abundantly you know they are nearly through. The neighbor who grows them must plant different varieties since he get flowers for about 6 weeks, but the last hurrah is the big one.
Glads Blooming Ready for Harvest August 2013
Here are the same flowers three weeks ago. See how many more are in full bloom today?
Blooming Glads Down the Street July 2013
This big maple is down the street in the other direction. The outer branches are nearly fully turned. Do you think it is a sugar maple with that radiant orange?
Maple Turning Red Early August 2013
I love fall. I love the happy memories of starting each school year, of going off to college, of hopes new each year. Dave and I met in the fall and we moved to our homes in the fall, August twice and October this final time.
Yet, and yet. Summer flits by so fast, especially a year like this which saw wonderfully warm – but not hot – days and cool evenings. My pool is already down to 58 degrees, a bit chilly to enjoy. If I do go swimming I do my laps fast and hop out for a nice hot shower. When we have summers like this one I want to keep them here forever.
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