Now the catalpa has begun dropping its big, heart-shaped leaves. It’s usually the last holdout here at the cottage. The weather has been warm, sunny and generally lovely. But last night we got some rain and those who are in the know say we will now be having much cooler temperatures. Ever watchful, I check the predicted low temperature every day. My goal is to hang on to all my plants as long as possible. I do this little dance every autumn. If there’s a danger of frost, I go into a flurry of activity, bringing plants in from the porch for the night, covering those plants in the ground that are still blooming. I’ve already discussed my ‘Plan’ with Don to cover the Chicken Wire Fence Garden and keep it going as long as possible.

I fight the good fight – never wanting to give in and say ‘uncle’ until the last possible moment.

Yesterday, on a beautifully warm and sun-filled day, we sat for a spell out on the Funky Patio. I grabbed the chair that gave me a prime view of the Chicken Wire Fence Garden. It’s full of blooms; with morning glories and zinnias in colorful profusion. Big fat bumble bees hovered over the galvanized planter, circled around the geraniums and gomphrena. Scout lapped up the sun.

I remarked to Don that it’s a good thing I planted a later-blooming garden because it not only gives us pleasure, it provides much needed sustenance for bees and butterflies. There’s a heck of a lot of activity around these flowers. I’ve been watching bees dive down into the very center of morning glory blossoms, disappearing for a while, then reemerging to continue the search for another snack.

If I wanted, I could move a chair smack dab in front of the Chicken Wire Fence Garden, watch all the activity and be entertained for hours. Maybe I will.

These are all current photos, by the way. This is how the garden looks at this point in time. There are a few blooms in the garden beds; the limelight hydrangea, some roses and some cosmos are still hanging in there. The sedum is wearing its autumn colors. But this little garden is the star of the show. It’s the grand finale.

I’ve finished Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny and have moved on to A Trick of the Light, the next in the series. Only two more to go after that and then I will have to join all the other fans who found her long before I did and wait until the next book is published. Sigh.

I’m on the waiting list at the library for the newest Lee Child (there are a lot of people ahead of me,) Daniel Silva (a lot of people ahead of me) and Deborah Crombie (first in the queue.) In the meantime, I have review books to read, as well. Don’t forget: I have a book giveaway going on at the moment. Scroll down for the review and leave a comment if you are interested.

We’ve been watching the Red Sox battle the Tigers. Draining. Exhausting. Tension-filled. Both teams are so evenly matched that it truly is a battle. Sometimes I have to cover my eyes or leave the room because I need a break from all the anxiety that accompanies these games. Last night I walked away for a bit and did the dishes, occasionally calling out to Don, “What’s happening??” Today is a travel day so we get a breather, then tomorrow we are right back at it.

I love October baseball.

Happy Friday.