Friday, September 23, 2022

Autumn Equinox...

 



Before yesterday, it had been many days since there had been a descent one for getting outside to work in the gardens.  Eighty degrees versus 97 degrees is a mighty big change, and we loved it.  And even more wonderful is that it happened on the Autumn Equinox.  

It was a fabulous, oh-so-much-cooler, walk over the hill.  There was a cow with a new-born calf, a good distance away, and wild turkeys in the path we walk.  I was happy that Millie didn't frighten them away. 

Migration really is in full swing. here. Yesterday, there was a big gathering of Scissor-Tailed Flycatchers on the power lines. I knew something was up, so I Googled them and  read that they fly through Texas to Mexico and Central America, sometimes in great numbers, where they spend the winter.  I am sure our long-tails are somewhere today between here and Texas.  

A few late hummingbird stragglers are still hanging out here ~ perhaps trying to fatten up a bit more before making their long journey.  After having pulled out all the old zinnias, I saw one little hummer hovering over the old patch.  I am sorry little bird!  

Many of my favorite books are children's books.  Along about now every year, I get the notion to reread one of my favorites which has a lot to do with migration.  My fifth graders loved "My Side of the Mountain," by Jean Craighead George.  It's the first book in a trilogy.  The third book, "Frightful's Mountains" really gets into migration.  





19 comments:

Saundra said...

I enjoy your insightful and inspiring blog each time you post. Not to mention your artistic talent and native American reference. Hope your granddaughter give you another journal book for Christmas.

TheCrankyCrow said...

Another beautiful post...in words, art, and photos. I've never seen (nor heard of) a scissor-tailed flycatcher so looked them up. What an intriguing, interesting, bird! I still have my hummer feeders hanging...although no one has visited for weeks. It saddens me to take them down and I just have to be absolutely, positively, sure there are no stragglers/hangers-on. You always spark a need to look into something new...the trilogy of books sounds wonderful...I think I must read about Frightful's journey. Enjoy your cool. Time for me to start a fire and take the chill off here. ~Robin~

Granny Marigold said...

I like your journal pages, especially that first one. Isn't it amazing how quickly the weather can change? And for us it also just happened to be very close to the equinox. Maybe that's no coincidence.

Hootin Anni said...

I really look forward to a new post of yours. Today, especially!! All about birds. 😊

Altho, I must admit, there are some permanent scissortail residents in my part of Texas!! Usually I see them during the winter months on open ranchlands.

acorn hollow said...

Someone just came in the books store the other day looking for that book I had never heard of it before.
We have a gathering of bluejays lately they are loud and obnoxious but still pretty
We are having very cool weather winter is certainly in the wings
Cathy

Sandra said...

We had our first frost and my DIL had to pull almost everything from the garden. The green pumpkins will still turn orange; so she says. She is still busy making applesauce and jams. Slowly we are putting up our patio furniture. It is definitely crispy mornings here. Our days have been more in the 60's. I enjoy seeing your journal, and drawings.
Your photo's are amazing...you have an eye for taking snapshots.

nookworm said...

This was a really nice entry with information about migration. You sure are fulling the journal with wonderful entries! Your horse head drawing reminded me of a wooden carved head that I have saved since age 15. It is a reminder of good days.

Debra said...

A lovely post-you outdo yourself each time! I love the paintings...We are much cooler-time for the heavy old wool blanket. I read one of your comments about not putting away the hummer feeder, and feeling sad becuase they are gone. I feel exactly the same way. I was so glad to actually see one this moring, at the feeder-even though it was only 42 degrees! I'm thinking it must have been a fly-through, but I'll keep filling the feeder until it snows probably!

Julia said...

Your journal looks so wonderful and informative. It's a real art treasure and a great keepsake for your family. I like your artwork.

We got off easy with Hurricane Fiona as she passed east of us and only lost power for a few hours but our generator turned on right away so weren't affected.

It looks like fall as the yard is littered with leaves.
Hugs,
Julia

kathyinozarks said...

we have had a busy week so didn't even realize that fall is officially upon us-loving it.
we missed all the rain on thursday but the woods house got lots. we are in the mid 80's now-loving it. My zinnias, marigolds and such are still in full bloom. the cosmos and calendula are dying back so I have been collecting their seeds.
Loving your journal pages-so happy you are sharing them-hugs Kathy

Morning's Minion said...

Still two hummingbirds here and sometimes we think we've spotted a third. The equinox brought cooler weather right on time. I still have zinnias in the mowed over garden--they were late bloomers. Autumn days are precious.

Prims By The Water said...

The blackbirds and sparrows are gathering here together for their migration. When our Robins fly South, we get more Blue Jas and Cardinals and then the Winter ducks come into the river. An=m loving the cooler temps, but not looking forward to what will come next. Janice

Henny Penny said...

Mary your posts are always so touching and so beautiful. Don't know how I managed to miss the last three. I've just looked back at them all. I'm not much of a reader but your post makes me want to read and learn more about Hannah Hauxwell. She sounds a lot like you, or you sound a lot like her. Your journal is just wonderful! We have two little hummers hanging around. Guess I will keep mixing a little sugar water as long as they are here. Love Millie's new picture.

happyone said...

Your walk sounds delightful and your journal is artistic and beautiful.

Rose said...

Fall is here...my favorite time of year..watch the leaves dance on the wind as they fall to the ground. It won't be long till they are blown down along like a herd of wild horses running for the joy of running.

Jean Tuthill said...

I love looking at and reading your journal entries. I keep thinking I should do that and never get to it. I'm happy to see that you are still walking. Thanks for coming by!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Your postings are always outstanding and touching. Your journal entries are great. I hope you will enjoy this beautiful autumn.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Resident Chef decided to harvest the remaining green tomatoes this afternoon and he put the rest of the balcony to 'bed' while he was at it. Said he'd rather do it when it's relatively warm-ish out rather than freezing his fingers. Makes sense to me, but still sad to see it happening.

Rose said...

I just had to come tell you I had to read My Side of the Mountain once again after you mentioned it. I still enjoyed it.