Fall?

Perhaps Fall hasn't officially come according to the calendar, but it has already come in reality.  I'm experiencing mixed feelings.  I don't want Summer to end quite yet, but I'm enjoying a little less heat during the day and the cooler nights.  Yesterday a sad, yet beautiful sight presented itself to me...

The former glory of the pumpkin plant is gone.  What is left behind is the fruit of it's labor.  Six pumpkins!

The much anticipated day has finally come and each child has chosen his favorite pumpkin for himself!  What glee!  The stuff of magic to a child!

Other proof that Fall has come is that school is in session now.

The joys of learning new things, opening our minds to new frontiers, finding new skills!  Oh yes, it sounds just like Autumn.

And, we are all reading more....

As the days become shorter, I've been bitten by the reading bug as well.  All the books I could be catching up on!

Still, there is proof that Summer hasn't completely tipped it's hat farewell....

Small pockets in the garden are still reminders of Summer, like these tomatoes, onions and basil.

A couple of tired tomato vines have given me more tomatoes!  Delicious!

Even the zinnias are looking tired, but this one is still so bright and cheery.

This zinnia looks the way I feel... reaching to take in as much of the dwindling summer sun as possible.  What a beautiful year.  I learned a lot.  I give thanks and praise to the One who made it all possible!