Fall Hydrangeas at Heart and Home

These are the final days of summer.

The weather has been the nicest yet, with fog-free mornings and warm breezy days.

Around here it's the best time of the year to head to the beach,

but don't let the out-of-towners know that.

It will be our little secret.

In the garden, plants need to be pruned, oak leaves swept up,

 and acorns cleared off the steps and the deck.

The pots of hydrangeas from the Summer are past their prime.

I cut all the stems and put them in a vase to dry.

Now they will be Fall Hydrangeas.

I have baskets around the house containing dried bunches from years ago.

When I move the baskets, hydrangea petals rain everywhere in little petal flurries.

I'm adding new stems to the collection so I can let go of some of the really old ones.

 I'm afraid they will eventually turn to dust, like a moth's wings.

I really don't need any more dust in this house, if you know what I mean.

Maggie doesn't like to dust, either.

She is not a very big help around the house.

This dog gets a free ride around here, that's for certain.

I guess being cute counts for something.

I'm wondering if these blossoms will hold their color.

They are the prettiest green and gold,

and somewhere in that bunch 

are a few pale blue reminders of spring and summer.

Everyday right about now

the afternoon sun streams through the skylights,

bathing the entryway in warmth and golden sunlight.

I always look forward to this time of year.

After the excitement of back-to-school,

we all chug through the next few weeks.

Earlier bedtimes, alarm clocks,

 packed lunches and homework take some getting used to. 

The weather is warmer than usual, and the days are still long.

Then, all of a sudden, there is a snap in the air

and it's time to pull out the heavy throws and brocade slipcovers.

Seashells will soon be replaced
with pumpkins, gourds and dried wheat, as the weather turns cool.

Time to let go of the warm weather and embrace the chill in the air,

 the falling leaves and the scent of burning wood.

Time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays and celebrations.

Time to start baking delicious apple treats,

with apples picked in the orchard across the way.

I've collected a few new recipes, for apple cakes and crisps and crumbles.

I'm looking forward to some quality time in the kitchen,

peeling and chopping and sifting and stirring.

And tasting.

I'll let you know how things turn out.

Until next time,

XO

Heidi

Linking to Show and Tell, at Cindy's