Early signs of Fall

Thankfully the steamy hot summer weather has begun to give way to refreshing fall temperatures. I was in the North Carolina mountains over Labor Day and the leaves have actually started turning bright red. Beautiful! Perhaps we should re-name trees for the spectacular color of their leaves much as we do roses. Royal red cherry tree, mellow yellow oak, burnt orange maple....what do you think? While in NC we sat outside one evening by the neighbor's fireplace enjoying the star-filled night sky. Can you tell my favorite season? The animals are beginning to prepare for the changing weather much like the trees. The dogs' coats are getting longer, soon the horses' coats will as well. The cats are spending more time outside and the bird population is changing; fewer humming birds, more cardinals. The deer too are starting to change, it won't be long before their tan-colored summer coats give way to a stark grey winter camouflage. The chicken is even laying eggs again. Can't wait to open up the house and sleep with the crisp night air billowing through the curtains. Hopefully, just a couple more weeks.