Late summer, early fall.

Two completely different ways to say it: one an end, one a beginning.

I am looking forwards to the start of long, unending, cold rains, crunchy leaves, cozy nights by the fire, and the first few flakes of snow (and, of course, the last few flights of mosquitoes).

But I am mourning the warm days, green growing things, and bright, wispy summer sunsets as they fade into fluffy, purple things.

And Zucchini. As strange as that is to say. I really do like that fast-growing squash, though. Grilled, breaded, baked into cookies and cakes. Mmmm! And when the fruits get too big, hiding under leaves and growing into huge monsters like Zucchini are known to do, it's always fun to let the chickens have it, and watch them race around with the seeds and worm-like shreds of spongy flesh that I often cut up just for them. Ah, Zucchini. We will be sad to see you go. I will, at least. Well, I won't be sad to say goodbye to those prickly leaves, hairy, spiny skins and that odd, glue-like juice, but I will be sad to say goodbye to delicious fried, baked and shish kebab-ed Zucchini.

And then there is the rain. I'm loving it so far. There's something cozy about sitting up here, even without the wood stove on, while it's grey and drizzly outside. It's been overcast, damp and misty all day, and I just love it (though admittedly it is a bit chilly. Not a summer rain, you see). Hopefully we get some more storms. None on the weekend though, because we're going to Buckhorn! Another thing to look forwards too, and to think I forgot it!

Still, though, I don't like having things to do 24/7. It feels cramped, even though it can be boring. After Buckhorn, though, everything will be back to boring, old, I-have-to-do-nothing-in-particular-at-all-today normal.