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The signs were all around this week. Then the weather forecast confirmed what we had suspected -- that the fickle season of autumn is upon us. One day it is blustery and downright cold. The next day the stink bugs reappear during warmer afternoons.
I saw the signs two weeks ago when Roseann and Skip's tree at the bottom of their driveway turned a gorgeous shade of orange. Its huge branches reach over the lane we drive and serve as a welcome mat for anyone traveling under it.
The mums have bloomed and nearly hit their peak this past week as overnight temperatures dipped into the frosty category. The red, gold and orange blossoms did not disappoint this year.
The knockout rose bushes are holding their own with last minute blooms of red and pink. It will be some time yet before we will cut them back to a dormant stage in which to winter over. Our hope is for a bountiful spring blooming season among the hummingbird's favorite rose bushes where they feed and hide from predators.
The vegetable garden produced a large collection of green peppers and tomatoes. Now the beets are left alone in the patch of garden to complete their late growing season. We will have to wait for the outcome on this first attempt at harvesting beets.
I don't think it's my imagination, but have you noticed a bumper crop of squirrels this year? These long-tailed thieves have been raiding corncribs and scooping up black walnuts all along the countryside. I have stopped on the road numerous times during my travels to avoid running over these pesky rodents.
Also in abundance are the wild turkeys roaming the property. This year we saw numerous females with more than a dozen poults in tow. They have been fun to watch as the little ones follow in lines like children heading out to recess.
The neighbors' horses are beginning to grow their warmer coats for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. The equines embrace the sunny days and roll in the fading warmth of the grass.
'Tis the season, too, for apples. The delicious aroma of apple pies and apple dumplings baking in the oven fills houses this time of year. There's never a bad time to bite into an apple. Just ask your family doctor.
This past week's few windy days have helped to bring down many of the leaves. The trees have been beautiful already so get out this weekend and enjoy a bit of leaf peeping before they are gone.
The crisp evenings and clear skies have been perfect for some star-gazing and mooning over the planets. Out in the country, a telescope is a great addition and sometimes the stars appear so close you could touch them. Tell the kiddies to put down the electronics and step outside. Amaze them with all this glorious universe has to offer. Now that's how to enjoy the season.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.