For those of you who have followed my little porch/patio over the seasons … it has begun, as I told one friend. Though there’s a wierd (though lovely) warm spell taking place this week, in from the porch have come the majority of herbs, including rosemary, sage, thyme, that bewildering chocolate mint and the strawberry plant that grew but did not fruit. A few small flowering perennials. Outside now is mostly some fall hardy plants like mums and those remnants that I think shall beautify the porch until the first real snowfall.
Getting far too much exercise with carting plants up to the third floor south facing window. There are some empty spaces yet to be filled. We’ll see where the autumn takes us.
It is a beautiful autumn day. The sun shines bright. The leaves in shades of red, orange and yellow make that wonderful rustling noise as the wind blows. Hot in the sun and cool in the shade. Layering time in terms of clothes. Establishments near my work are all hawking pumpkin this and that. I love the brown-orange of the various drinks but I find them too sweet these days. This morning I looked in a new cookbook, by Jose Andres, and picked a dish I might try to cook tonight, garlic chicken … even though the fridge has much food inside some of which should be prepared soon. I’ve been tossing stuff into the freezer but it is a little packed now. I’ll be all set when winter comes and get socked in by snow. No need to go to the store that’s for sure. No, shopping is more a creative endeavor that I’ve described before. The book is very good, Spain My Way. Makes me want to travel there one day. With a proper guide of course. I’ve made some things. I like the tapas approach to meals right now. I’ve tried a few dishes and they’ve turned out alright. This is Gambas Al Ajillo (garlic shrimp).
A park near a neighboring school, adjacent to the Mystic River. I hope the middle schoolers take time to look up from their phones and enjoy the beauty around them.
When I saw Donna’s photos from Lovell, Maine I knew I wanted to share them and so I asked her for some words to accompany them. She shared a poem written by her partner’s daughter, Kristin Roberts, and suggested Kristin’s words might work instead. A perfect pairing. The poem, written by Kristin in the 7th grade, attests to her sensitivity and great observational skills about nature, about the people who engage with the Lovell landscape, and about the passage of time. Please enjoy this lovely pairing of words and images that capture the season.
Photo by Donna Stenwall
Autumn
Crimson, buttercup, marigold leaves swirl rustling around in rhythm of Autumn. The icy winds swipe.
Bee charmers with nets on their crowns, collect the pure golden honey from dripping cones. Farmers collect apples just before the tart crispy fruit turns to ripe.
The bitter winds nip at my face, redden my cheeks, numb my fingers, while icy blue Jack frost freezes Queen Anne’s lace.
Warm golden summer’s gone.
Photo by Donna Stenwall
Oaks and birches are stripped bare. Rifle shots ring out in echo as sharp eyed hunters bring down swift graceful deer.
Sweet singing birds long ago flew south, replaced with huge black crows with their loud mocking mouths.
Soft fluffy snow will soon replace corpsed grass. And the awful sight soon will pass.
Photo by Donna Stenwall
My lawn is littered with bright leaves, each unique in its own way. Dark misty evening is extended. Gray dawns are gloomy, bright mornings have ended.
Brilliant gay summers will be here at last, when the silver season after golden Autumn soon comes to pass.
