Summer's Last Stand

Whether the temperatures agree, summer is almost completely finished for another year. I have a love/hate relationship with summer. On the positive side, summer provides a relief from bitter cold days, snow, and all around lousy weather. Winter really isn’t my cup of tea. The flip side however is the heat, humidity, and way too many teenagers on the road.

One of the best parts of summer for me is watching the flower garden come to life. This year I decided not to plant tomatoes, bell peppers, or jalapeno peppers. I focused on flowers instead and am not sorry one bit. Not having a green thumb can be a challenge, but I was determined to see color and beauty throughout the property. Don’t be too impressed—I had professional help. Susie at Blooming Designs not only had wonderful ideas, but a great crew that were easy to work with and quite knowledgeable.

As autumn approaches, every flower seems to be aware that their time is coming to a close and has made the effort to go out in style. The colors are vibrant and the blooms are plentiful. A few short weeks from now the first frost will end the spectacular view from my kitchen window and I am making a point to spend time enjoying the bounty while it lasts. Every day I walk past the bright reds, oranges, and purples, my heart tightens knowing the time is quickly approaching when the flowerbeds will be covered with snow, slumbering through the harsh winter months. Maybe that's also a reaction to knowing I too will soon be dealing with the snow and I can't sleep my way through winter (if humans could hibernate I certainly would).

But for now, I will savor every moment available until winter steals the beauty away. I remind myself it’s only for a season and spring will come again.