Thursday, September 22, 2022

And Just Like That It's Autumn!

 The calendar says today is the Autumn Equinox.  I love Autumn days as we turn off the air conditioning for the last time.  Our HVAC maintenance fellow came by on Monday to make sure our heat will work when it's needed.  Well, heat is not needed yet in Virginia even though it's officially Autumn.  A small rain storm just left our area and did bring cooler temperatures.  The rain was such a welcome event, though not much in the rain gauge.  My poor gardens are so dry!  I hold off with supplemental watering of beds, saving the water only for pots. 

The yellow Autumn crocus (Sternbergia Lutea) don't seem to mind the lack of rain.  My dear departed neighbor gave me a few corms many years ago.  They have multiplied and I spread them in needed areas as I clean out my beds.  They are such a welcome sight letting me know that Autumn is approaching.


Grayden and I were able to squeeze in another trip to the beach at the beginning of the month.  As you all know, it's my happy place!


We've been working our way back to our longer walks and the beach is the perfect spot for that. 


Unfortunately while we were there we learned of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.  Though we knew she wouldn't live forever, we certainly were shocked.  It's still hard to believe.  


Sunrises at the beach always thrill me!  How amazing to watch the sun rise over the ocean.


Sunsets took our breath away as well.



Our youngest grand turned 18 recently!  Wow, we're getting old!  Miles wanted a pullup bar for his birthday so we decided to gift him one.  I've never been able to do a pullup in my life, so I was impressed!


We enjoyed a nice visit with our family.  Our grands are so grownup now.  Time really is flying!



As summer struggles to give way to autumn, I wish you many moments to treasure.

" Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go." Unknown




 

23 comments:

  1. Autumn crocus? I had no idea these even existed. They're beautiful. And I love your sunsets and beach photos. That looks like such a good time. What a great photo of the handsome trio, too! Happy week!

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    1. Thank you, Jeanie. Autumn crocus are a lovely surprise when the garden is weary after a really hot summer. Happy week to you as well!

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  2. I'm so glad you managed to get another trip to the beach in before the winter comes upon us. The sun rises are utterly stunning, aren't they? How is Grayden doing now?

    Yes, Her Majesty's passing came as a great shock, although at her age perhaps it shouldn't have been. Yet somehow we all seemed to deem her invincible, never thought it would happen. It's certainly been an eventful 2 weeks. And to be honest, I don't know how the Royals have got through it with protocols to follow, while mourning their matriarch.

    Deb xoxo

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    1. Deb, I share your sentiments about Her Majesty and her family. The world has lost an exceptional woman! How difficult it must be to constantly being watched, especially in times of enormous grief. I will never forget the fortitude shown by the Royals during the last two weeks.
      Grayden is doing so well, now. It's been an eye opening experience that certainly scared us so much. We are now back to walking three miles each morning and his doctor is quite pleased at his progress.
      Thinking of you, dear one. xoxo

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  3. It was very sad to hear of the Queen's passing and to consider what that means for the world we live in. Glad you were able to have another beach escape! Handsome grandsons! Cheers from Woodstock England!

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    1. Ellen, I am amazed that you keep up with everyone and your blog while you are traveling! Thank you so much for visiting today. Cheers to you as you enjoy your time in England.

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  4. How good to get away! He's 18 so soon? He does look fit and strong. Good gift!

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    1. Vee, these grands have grown up way faster than our children. Have a nice weekend!

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  5. What a lovely Autumn post, Martha Ellen. Miles is 18! - Happy Birthday, and he looks so fit on the pull-up bar. It always amazes me to see people do that. He will be doing many in no time. Those sunrises are gorgeous. And a wonderful photo of the three men in your life. What a perfect Autumn quote you shared at the end. It's so true, isn't it? Fall always brings its calming presence to us in so many ways. I am loving your Fall Header with apples and a wreath filled with Fall colors. Glad you had the chance to get away at the beach before the season starts. I know how much you enjoy it there.

    Happy Fall days to you, Martha Ellen.

    ~Sheri

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, Miles is a very serious athlete that works out daily at the gym. He runs track and hopes to do so when in college next year. Thank you for your kind thoughts today. I hope your weekend is a happy one! Happy Fall days to you!

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  6. What handsome grands you have! It seems like they were just born yesterday, I am sure.
    I love the beach sunrises and sunsets. I think sunrise the best. Sitting in a chair in the sand watching with coffee. So good you and Grayden spent time at the beach. We love it too. Nice time of year to go.
    What a difference a day makes, today 70 degrees and windy from yesterday on Thursday around 90.
    I love your crocus. I made a note of the name of them as I would love to buy some. So pretty!
    You are so right, we don't need the heat turned on yet in Virginia.
    I do love Virginia and look forward to a drive to the Shenandoah mountains. I bet you will be out there soon for a day trip. Such a pretty time of year to do that.
    Your quote at the end is perfect. So very true. Thank you for sharing that one.
    Happy Autumn, Betsy

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    1. Betsy, the grands have grown up so quickly. I guess it's true that time goes swiftly the older we are!
      It was a lovely time of year to enjoy the beach. I know you love it as well. We are so lucky to live close to the mountains and the ocean, aren't we?
      Glad you enjoyed the quote. I'm trying to remember that as time goes by.
      Happy Autumn to you as well!

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  7. Stunning sunset and beach photos!
    So sad to hear of the Queen's passing. The world grieves for such an amazing woman.

    Happy Saturday!

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Veronica Lee. I'm glad you stopped by. Happy Saturday to you as well!

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  8. How splendid that you got away and spent time with your family. It was a shock to hear about Queen Elizabeth's passing. I sometimes thought she would be with us forever, in the heart though, always knew in the head how frail she was becoming. She has certainly been with me my whole life. Lovely sunsets at the beach and I love your Autumn Crocus. I took note! I would love to see those in our garden in the Autumn, maybe next year. Thank you for another lovely post Martha Ellen.

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  9. Goodness, I just wrote a longish note to you Martha Ellen, and now I can't remember if I actually posted it. It is one of those days. I will check later and if I don't see it I will write it again. Just loved your post!

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    1. Thank you Denise for your lovely comments. I too, believed there would always be Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. She's the only queen I've ever known my whole life as well. I thought of you immediately when I heard of her passing. Since I moderate comments, I just saw your comments. I do appreciate your sweet visits.

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    2. Thank you Martha Ellen, glad they came through :) and appreciate you thinking of me when you heard. I appreciate your comments too, always happy to see you visiting.

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  10. Martha Ellen, how wonderful that you and your husband also love the song La vie en rose. I just listened to the Tony Bennett version, and it was very nice. We had that song on our blog when we first started, so it has a special meaning to us. I believe we used the Edith Piaf version. It's such a beautiful song, and I've always enjoyed listening to it. Thank you for your story, Martha Ellen. It was very special.

    ~Sheri

    ~Sheri

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  11. It is wonderful that you were able to have one more week in your happy place before the end of the season! Your youngest grand is 18. Where does the time go? Happy (belated) birthday to Miles!

    I am loving the feel of autumn in the air! Ron and I have begun autumn with sickness, but we hope to be out and about soon, soaking up the goodness of fall!

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear that you and Ron are unwell, Cheryl. Do take care and get better soon as I know how much you love fall.
      Time seems to be flying with our grands. I know you understand. Thank you for the birthday wishes to Miles. I will pass them along to him.

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  12. How nice that you were able to spend time away at the beach.
    Beautiful sunrise and sunsets photographs.

    It was very sad that Queen Elizabeth passed away recently, she was such a special lady and will be missed. I wish King Charles well.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you Jan for your comments. I hope you and Eddie enjoy a lovely Autumn weekend.

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