Late September Thoughts

- After lots of rain last week (our area is now 3+ inches above normal for the year), this week is simply delightful! And the forecast is more of the same. Experiencing majestic Tennessee scenery in weather such as this is one of the many reasons people love to come to the Volunteer State. The upper 40s/low 50s at night, 60s/low 70s during the day, refreshing breeze, low humidity.....may I suggest a long hike into one of your favorite places.

- The attached ....top to bottom......

1) This Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is already showing the signs of the season. The Blackgum and Sourgum show a similar color in the fall (some are already beginning to turn).

2) Don't forget our small seasonal friends....species such as this are seemingly always more noticeable this time of year. This specimen is Family Acrididae....Genus Schistocerca.

3) An interesting duo of Kingdom Fungi on one of our lots in Greenfields West.

4) Another example of the many beautiful wildflowers within the mountain properties. This one is Aster sericeus, the Silky Aster.

5) The autumn product of the Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus). These plump acorns look enticing, but many of them will still be on the ground, in a decayed state, next spring. The dime is for reference.

Reflections.....

- ...Of summer, for it is nearly gone.....it will be remembered for the mild temperatures, timely rainfall, and brilliant green flora, even into September........

- ...Of beautiful flowers, from the springtime array of Mountain Laurel, Pinxter Flowers, Dogwoods, and Redbuds, to all the Compositae of late summer (see attached....the yellow blooms of the Tickseed Sunflower)....

- ...Of various fauna, that, for the most part, have enjoyed the bounty of a productive growing season.... from the abundant fawns hidden in the meadows to the less desirables, at least from the human perspective, such as the various species of Reptilia (see attached....the Red Rat Snake...also known as the Corn Snake) and Insecta (see attached...Bumble Bee on a Goldenrod....)

- ...Of a demanding and challenging economy....leading many to seek refuge and contemplate the issues of life in more natural places....see attached.

- ...Of moons and stars and sunny skies, for we never know how many days we have left to enjoy.....

- ...Of our dear friend and nature enthusiast Diane Egleston, who passed suddenly last week.... in her beloved "Eagle's Nest" on Fredonia Mountain. May God Bless.