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.