Fall is Near

The calendar may say its early September but nature says fall is near. I can feel it the moment I step out the door in the morning as the thermometer hovers in the low 40s. Later this week the weatherman is forecasting 37 degrees. 

But is more than just the temperature. Everything is preparing for the change of the seasons. Our hummingbird feeder still hangs but only a few female broad-tailed hummers remain. Around us the cottonwoods and aspens are already changing, probably 2 – 3 weeks early. Aspens at high elevations are in full color. The deer families are joining with others in preparation for the fall mating season. 

Our early morning walk always includes some yoga poses before heading home. Until lately, it was a time of peace and quiet. Now it is filled with the haunting sounds of the bull elk calling a challenge to others in the woods. 

We watch the creatures of the forest - chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits and more – scurrying about with the collection of food stores for winter. It reminds me that we too need to finish our collection of wood and food. 

Fall is usually a wonderful time as the summer monsoon season gives way to dry warm days and cool nights. But this summer was another dry one and drought conditions persist. We hope and pray that this fall and winter will bring great quantities of snow. The weather forecast is promising. 

In the meantime, we’ll follow our forest neighbor’s example and prepare. Fall is near.

From Fleur Creek Farm