My favorite time of year has arrived! The weather has been cooler and even rain has fallen on our drought filled garden. Saturday Tropical Storm Ophelia came through our town. The day was full of rain and heavy winds. Our unofficial rain gauge registered three inches! Our son and youngest grandson came for a visit in spite of the weather. It was nice catching up with our grandson who is a freshman in college and hear all about his new chapter of learning. I cooked country style ribs, corn on the cob, and asparagus. I'm having problems with my camera so there are no photos of our visit, but lovely memories of a good time.
Even before the rain came the Autumn Crocus (Sternbergia lutea) began to bloom.
They don't seem to mind the dry weather.
Multiplying each year they add a lot of color to this time of year.
One of the last America roses blossomed. I had to cut it and bring it inside.
We've had this large fungus mushroom form from the area a large white oak tree used to live. It was removed several years ago as it was unhealthy and way too close to our home. Afterwards the stump was ground down then we planted a dogwood. This fungus has been consuming the underground leftovers. After checking it all out we've realized it is no danger to the dogwood, but quite interesting to observe!
Our patio is full of leaves that need sweeping each day! A good power washing is in order as well!
Our volunteer tomatoes are beginning to ripen. You really can't beat fresh summer tomatoes!
A monarch visited one afternoon, though he didn't stay long. I couldn't capture him opening his wings before flying off.
It's been a while since we've seen a box turtle in our back garden. Living in our home for fifty years we have seen them almost every year. It makes us so happy when we see them about!
This fellow was on the move and we all enjoyed following him to the downspout. This was before the rain, so I'm sure he was looking for moisture.
Recently I read this wonderful quote about the turtle.
"Try to be like the turtle- at home in your own skin."
Bill Copeland
This morning we had a couple of bluebirds at the bird bath.
Thank you for sharing early Autumn days with me!
With all it's beauty as the year winds slowly down, Autumn sure brings it's fare share of bad weather too! Three inches is a lot of rain! As I sit and read your lovely words and photos the tail end of Storm Agnes is just bidding us farewell in the west of Wales, having spent the day lashing us with stormy wind and rain. In some ways it was a strange storm for the rainclouds cleared and the sun shone through despite the ferocious winds.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice ending to a storm, Deb! We had rather gloomy weather after our's, but the sun is out today. I'm solar powered so that makes me happy. I remember lovely rainbows in Great Britain after the rains. So lovely! Take care and enjoy your afternoon, my friend!
DeleteHello! I love your header! It is so lovely. Fall is here, and your home looks cozy for the season! I am so glad you had a nice visit with your son and grandson! Have a cozy afternoon, my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt's so wonderful that our favorite time of year is finally here. Not just on the calendar, but with the proper weather as well, Billie Jo. You have a cozy afternoon as well, my friend!
DeleteI do hope all of my recent anonymous comments come through okay ... google does cause glitches from time to time!
ReplyDeleteI really like your header photograph, the fall/autumn is one of my favourite seasons.
Lovely to have a good visit with your son and grandson. We spent some enjoyable family time last weekend ... fun, laughter, a lot of love and wonderful memories to cherish.
Take care and enjoy these last few September days.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much, Jan! There are issues from time to time and honestly I have no idea what causes it. Autumn is so many of my blogging friends favorite including you! I do appreciate all of your thoughtful comments!
DeleteNow THAT's a fungus! Wow! I'm so glad your grandson came to visit. And the autumn crocus are new to me -- I love them. What a lovely, happy post!
ReplyDeleteSaturday was a really bright day in spite of the tropical storm, Jeanie. So good to stay in touch with our youngest sweetheart. It took me a while to figure out what was going on next to our fairly new dogwood. This was something new to me. I'm glad I can still learn!
DeleteYou have lovely gardens! We expect high temps into the mid-eighties next week. Still awhile to wait for our autumn weather. Love the menu you served your guests! Xoxo
ReplyDeleteNellie, I looked ahead and our temperatures will be climbing next week as well. Autumn has a hard time in the south! Thank you for your kind comments!
DeleteEarly autumn looks nice in your space! Love those bluebirds.
ReplyDeleteEllen, it's always thrilling to see bluebirds as they are quite elusive to us.
DeleteHow lovely you had your son and grandson visiting, special memories to hold dear. It’s my favorite time also, the reason can be seen in all the photos you have shared today. You have such a lovely garden with all its gifts, and a resident family of box turtle too! The mushroom was fascinating. We are having the same weather, and it is very welcome. Thank you for another delightful post dear friend and have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteDenise, it's was so nice seeing our grandson and son on Saturday. We both loved our visit and hearing all about Miles' freshman year in college. That fungus mushroom is really something else. It's the second one that has popped up over the last couple of years. The fungus is hard and doesn't disappear like a regular mushroom does. Thank you for your kind comments, my autumn loving friend! Have a lovely weekend.
DeleteThat Box turtle sure is a cutie! It will not be long until our bluebirds head south for the winter and we will await their return as the first sign of spring.
ReplyDeleteWe have been so fortunate to have several sightings of the bluebirds around our home this season. Just the sight of them warms my heart. Have a nice weekend!
DeleteFall seems to be the favorite season of so many! The only signs of fall here are the pumpkins and mums being sold at local farms. This week will still be in the 80's !! Where is fall? Can't wait..
ReplyDeleteNext week will be back in the 80's for us as well, Judee! Fall has a hard time coming, but surely has teased us for the last couple of weeks! Happy weekend to you.
DeleteHello! Visiting from over at Billie Jo's. I love it when I see box turtles! I haven't seen many the last few years. That fungus is wild! Never seen or heard of such a thing.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Laura Lane
Harvest Lane Cottage
Southern Missouri
Hello, Mrs. Laura Lane. I'm so glad you stopped by for a visit. That fungus is like something from out of space. I've gardened for years and this is a new thing for us as well. When I removed the last one it had a pointy shape and this one grew up in its place. Have a happy weekend!
DeleteSo many wonderful things of Autumn here, Martha Ellen. The turtle must have been such an interesting visitor, along with that beautiful monarch butterfly. Oh, and that rose made my heart sing. What a pretty color it is. I'm glad you clipped it and brought it inside. I hope it lasts for a long time. Sounds like a nice visit you had with your son and grandson. The ribs and corn on the cob sound delicious. Glad to hear you got some rain. That's always a good thing. We rejoice when we get some in California. Your Fall post made me smile today, Martha Ellen. I loved all of it!
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, that is an America Rose and will be the last one of the year on the trellis. I'm so glad my post made you smile. That makes me smile, my friend!
DeleteSuch lovely autumn photographs! Your single rose is beautiful! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Mrs. White. I'm glad you enjoyed my photos.
DeleteYour tomatoes look wonderful! That mushroom with those rainbow colors, never seen one like that. Beautiful rose. I bet it has a nice scent too. I love the perfume from a rose. Getting chillier now. I guess you have your fireplace going like we have here. Love the glow in the evening as much as the warmth it gives.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, Autumn is certainly coming in nicely. We have some dogwoods that are beginning to change colors. The black gum leaves have already changed and mostly fallen to the ground. It is chillier now and I must admit to being glad. I found a couple more buds on the America rose trellis. Maybe they will have time to bloom before our first frost. Happy Autumn days to you!
DeleteLooks like that you had a great time with your family! I would love to try some of the ribs :-) That box turtle looks super cute!
ReplyDeleteAutumn appears to be the preferred season for a significant number of individuals. The sole indications of autumn in this region are the presence of pumpkins and the commencement of autumnal sales at the local shopping center. There are less golden leaves surrounding me. It is rather chilly outside.
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Thank you