Summers End

Late summer is always a mixture of feelings for me. It means fewer weeks left for flower borders. There are still tomatoes to use as they ripen. Sweet corn season is done. Concord grapes will be ripe and ready to turn into pie filling! As the days get cooler and shorter my cravings for fall food start. Chili, soups, stews, pumpkin muffins hit the spot. I'll bring in some bundles of herbs to dry and use during winter for making tea, and adding flavor to dressing at Thanksgiving. My own sage is far better than the canned stuff. 

I'll be swapping accessories to give a cozy vibe. Warmer tones in pillows, rugs, art work, and throws for every chair. I have rust colored coffee mugs and dish towels. All the blue and ivory things go back to the storage closet along with shells and ship paintings. Simple changes that make a big difference in how the house feels.                                                                               

Fall means shopping for pumpkins and large mums with my antique dealer friend. We meet for lunch in Stockton, then she drives her van and we head to an Amish farm that sells colorful mums and assorted pumpkins. There are tomatoes and a few odds and ends. Last year they were also selling golden retriever puppies. 

I'll put an autumn display outside the enclosed porch. A welcome for friends and family visiting.. It's also time for pumpkin muffins and spiced hot apple cider. Country drives to watch trees as they begin their fall color show. 

Practical things need to be done. Checking the furnace filter, vacuuming ductwork, and washing windows. There's help cutting back flower borders, and garden statuary put in the carriage house for winter storage. Traditions and chores done, I'll enjoy more time indoors until next spring.