Early morning in the back forty.

We have another foggy morning today. It’s been that way for the past couple of days. I love it. It’s also been quite warm lately – perhaps a bit too warm! But I’m appreciating it while it’s here, this last little stretch of Indian summer.

We mowed the front lawn on Monday – rather exhausting, as usual. We caught it before it became impossibly long, so that’s a good thing. Still have to mow the corral and the back forty and I have to remember to do another round of weed whacking, but today, later this morning, we head out to get our Covid vaccinations. We’ll be happy to have that done! I expect to conk out later in the afternoon – that has been the only reaction I’ve had with the shots.

I’ve been seeing the groundhog who lives under the shed a lot. He’s eating lots of grass and green things because it will soon be time for him to hibernate and he needs lots of body fat to get him through the winter. I often wonder where all the now grown up babies are. Initially, there were six, but one died. So five babies hung out here for a few months, routinely getting into mischief and driving me more than a little bit crazy, but mostly being adorable and fascinating to watch. Buddy stayed around the longest, but even he eventually took off for parts unknown. I miss them a bit. Where are they? I know they went off to build their own underground homes, but did they go far? Are they in the woods? Or in the field beyond the back forty? Sigh. There always remains the ‘wondering.’

I miss the birdsong, though there are still some birds chirping and calling. I haven’t seen a robin in ages, so I assume they already headed south. I still see goldfinches and sparrows and carolina wrens. The crows seem to be around a lot. And the blue jays.

Lots of squirrel activity as well; gathering and storing nuts for the winter.

The limelight hydrangea, which is now that lovely shade of pink. That bush has grown by leaps and bounds and it’s now huge, Do you see that little white blossom at the bottom? It’s the only one that hasn’t turned pink yet.

I read all your comments about autumn memories. I was just so busy that I didn’t have time to reply. But I loved all the memories you shared. Thank you!

Okay. I have to make the second cup of coffee before we head to the pharmacy for our vaccinations.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.