Summer decline

Summer declines and roses have grown rare,
But cottage crofts are gay with hollyhocks,
And in old garden walks you breathe an air
Fragrant of pinks and August-smelling stocks.

–John Todhunter (1839–1916)

It is hard to believe that a month has passed by since I posted and that summer is coming to an end.  School starts in three days!

I was stirring salsa on the stove the other day when I heard gnawing sounds.  At first I thought it was the dog in the living room chewing a bone but realized the noise was coming through the kitchens screen door.  I walked outside and the ground was littered with chewed bits of hickory nuts.  The squirrels are hanging out in the canopy and little bits of nut husk are floating down making it look like it is snowing.  

 And they aren’t the only woodland animals beefing up for the winter; the deer are standing on their hind legs reaching for the apples.  I don’t mind sharing and hope they do the same unlike the elderberries.

Like the animals I am busy preparing for winter…my tomato vines lost their leaves but the tomatoes are fine and continue to grow and ripen.  I did 26 quarts of tomato sauce yesterday and will probably be doing more tomorrow.   

Busy driving kids around I missed my green beans starting to produce and found them when they were too big to do anything with but have since canned several pints with lots more still on there.  The red raspberries are just starting to produce and it looks to be better than last year’s harvest!!!!  The blackberries are done but I have some blackberry cordial and brandy “brewing” to warm frozen bodies when the snow flies.

I seem to be preparing for winter in more ways than one…I knit myself a pair of socks and #2 daughter’s pair will be done tonight.  I have also been knitting hats for my grandsons.  Not having the models available I have knit several sizes!  Oh well someone will end up with them.  #1 daughter wanted monster hats for them to wear until Halloween.  I am surprised she isn’t picking out Thanksgiving hats for me to make them already.  She is quite the task maker! 

Once the garden/canning is done more spinning and knitting will get accomplished.  Playing right into that are the fiber festivals coming soon….Endless Mountain and Rhinebeck.  After Spring, Fall has to be the most perfect time of the year.