RAIN AND SHINE

The rain was little more than a mist this morning as I hustled Parker out for morning relief. The ground was wet, and there was a slight coolness emanating from the North. Later the sun came out and it was warm. That is the rhythm of the weather now, some rain, cool then warm, sunshine and clouds.
I am sad to report that the tomato harvest is dropping off rapidly, the combination of shorter days, rain and cooler night temperatures is closing off that portion of the garden. I have replanted the lettuce beds for fall and winter harvest of greens, I am ready to also plant the garlic for spring harvest, and I see that cilantro that self seeded in the early summer is starting to grow, as are the larkspur. Some of the hydrangeas have missed the fact that winter is coming, producing new bloom just when they should be finished.
The little wren that skulks around in the garden every fall is here, the humming-
birds are not. I spotted a Palm Warbler in the back garden when I was sitting out on the deck with the dogs, along with a Blue Grosbeak.
The Eagles are into lots of activity in the woods by the river. They always take the opportunity this time of year to refurbish their nest for the arrival of the eggs in the winter. All manner of stick and twig are being moved in.
It is a beautiful time of year here on the farm. The stalks of corn are drying and rustle in the wind, some of the field has been harvested, leaving behind the stubble which opens up the views to the edge of the woods where there is the beginnings of a touch of color developing. The soybeans are still lush and green, but they are full of pods, and finished with the production of new ones. The process of drying is going to start.
I was sitting very still in the red chairs of wooded garden I have planted out the back door. A Kestrel must have missed spotting me and flew to sit on the hammock right in front of my chair. Just as quickly he realized his mistake and flew. It was great for that one moment to be eye to eye with one of my favorite birds. I am not sure who was more shocked.