Morning Walks Along The Lane

September stayed warm, a turn-about from the unexpectedly cool days that characterized the later part of August. 

Prowling about outside, walking up and down the lane, I attempted to create a photo record of the changes leading into fall.

Days after the goldenrod edging the lane had faded, these stems were a spill of color along the retaining wall that flanks the narrow front drive.

Leaves are still clinging to most of the trees, hickories showing a tinge of bronze.

The tulip poplars and sweet gums release their leaves in slow drifts of deep gold.

The  airy prettiness of cosmos is a summer-long delight--they are much hardier than their lacy foliage suggests.

Ironweed in the pasture has gone to seed.

Sometimes a plant that Jim has leveled with the weed whacker sends up new growth, providing a burst of color after those beyond the fence have had their season.

Cobwebs cling to tangled wet grass, disappearing as the sun's rays absorb the dew.

Wild morning glory trailing along the asphalt near a culvert--annoyingly invasive, but delicately pretty in bloom.

Dark red dahlias, double knock-out roses and one lovely Hawkeye Belle--

The second round of nasturtiums, growing quickly.  I'm watching the seeds developing on the originals--the vines have shriveled.  I intend to gather the seeds for new starts in the spring.

Cool mornings with banks of fog rolling up from the creek.

 

Fog and mist disappear in wisps across a field of soybeans.

Goldenrod by the pasture fence.

An exuberant welter of cosmos at the end of the side porch walk.

When the morning mist burns away the air is fresh and clean, the sky a vivid blue.

The last hummingbirds, two juveniles, departed on Friday.

We watched them on Thursday, skimming above the red cockscomb growing below the porch, zooming to the feeders to recharge on sugar syrup.

I wonder, did they leave at first light--or did they wait for the sun?

I will leave the feeders in place for a few days, in case there are needy travelers.