The approaching change

The butterflies and moths seemed strange.  They were all flying this same and different pattern.  When I looked directly I realized that what I thought were my companions from the summer were actually newcomers, bringers of the Autumn, falling leaves as the trees that surround us here start their seasonal metamorphosis.

It is September and the cool air is coming.  Now just at night, but in a few days during the day as well.  I have started to tie up the fig tree, pulling the branches in tighter so as to slowly get it used to it's overwinter shape, when it will be bundled up in swaddling to keep it until spring.

I work the downed trees, taking what the season has given.  These trees whose lives are over will heat our little home over the winter. (during the life of a tree it not only gives off oxygen, but also traps CO2.  When it dies, it immediately starts releasing that CO2 and stops giving off oxygen)

The tomatoes have finally started to blush so daily I snack on them.  The long squash are coming ready more frequently now.  The carrot tops are tall.

The winter storage squash are looking pretty good now too.

Soon I will recover the low tunnel for the coming season and so, we will be able to harvest thru the winter.

Chanterelles from the woods. 2011.

I ate the last of the Chanterelle mushrooms that we collected yesterday in some very tasty burritos.  We look forward to next seasons gifts from the woods